the hour of
six
Leaving his friend in the enjoyment of his book , he ascended to the room , and watched like a detective . Soon he saw a waggon roll up to the bridge , and , almost simultaneously , a large punt in which was Ben Toner , come from nowhere . Three bundles of apparent grindstones were laboriously conveyed from the waggon to the punt , after which the waggon went back and the punt went forward , both becoming lost to sight in the foliage of road and river . Once more the bell of the Maple Inn sounded loudly , to inform the general public that the hour of six had arrived , and to summon guests to the early supper . Descending to the sitting-room , the amateur detective found his friend there , and escorted him , with much unnecessary formality , to the tea table . The fish were there , betrayed , even afar off , by their not unpleasant odour , and there also was an attractive looking ham , flanked by plates of hot cakes and other evidences of culinary skill on Madame 's part . She poured out a good cup of tea for the table quartette , while Pierre aided in distributing the solids .