about one o'clock
It might not be decent business for Mr. Grant and Bertha , but it was just the thing for him . Whitestone was a very large town , and the circus was still there . He had not a moment to lose ; and , under the impulse of his new resolution , he left the Glen , intending to walk up the river to the ferry , a couple of miles distant . Noddy went over the river , and reached the great tent of the circus company about one o'clock . He was rather disturbed by the fear that he might meet Squire Wriggs , or some of the constables ; but all his hopes were now centred on the circus , and he could not avoid the risk of exposing himself . He boldly inquired for the `` head man '' of the establishment ; but this distinguished functionary was not on the premises at that time ; he would be there in the course of half an hour . He walked down to a shop , and having a small sum of money in his pocket , he obtained something to eat .