about six
o'clock
`` Sam ! '' echoed Miss Metoaca , her surprise causing her to raise her voice . Seeing Mrs. Arnold was flurried by the apparent effect of her innocent remark on Miss Metoaca , Mrs. Bennett answered for her . `` My husband and I met Nancy conversing with the negro Sam , about six o'clock on the afternoon that Captain Lloyd -- ah -- died . '' Miss Metoaca was intently studying the speaker 's face , but she could learn nothing from the innocent blue eyes raised so confidingly to hers . `` Nancy told us then that Sam , who has often waited on me , was anxious to secure a place in a private family ... '' `` And so , '' broke in Mrs. Arnold , `` as I am in need of another man-servant , I came to inquire about Sam . '' `` Now that is too bad , '' exclaimed Miss Metoaca , rallying her wits to her aid .