About one o'clock
He would have done so before , but had hesitated from the fear that in some way the intelligence would reach Abner Holden , whom he preferred to leave in ignorance of all that concerned him . These thoughts passed through Herbert 's mind as he went about his daily work . Meanwhile , a painful experience awaited him , for which he was not in the least prepared . About one o'clock a gentleman entered the counting-room hastily , and said , `` Mr. Godfrey , I wonder whether I happened to leave my pocketbook anywhere about your office when I was here an hour ago ? '' `` I do n't think so . When did you miss it ? '' `` A few minutes since .