nine o'clock
`` I reckon it 's just as well if you were to meet me at the Governor 's office , '' the Colonel added reflectively , and the hint was not lost on me . `` It 's better not to let 'em find out any sooner than they have to where this thing comes from , -- you understand . '' He looked at his watch . `` How would nine o'clock do ? I 'll be there , with Trulease , when you come , -- by accident , you understand . Of course he 'll be reasonable , but when they get to be governors they have little notions , you know , and you 've got to indulge 'em , flatter 'em a little . It does n't hurt , for when they get their backs up it only makes more trouble . ''