a quarter after eight
We 'll replace the stolen brogans at once , '' congratulated Holmes . We , thereupon , went around to the six rooms and restored the shoes , without encountering anybody who might ask embarrassing questions . Holmes , -- in his elegant disguise , -- and I now descended the stairs and quickly slid out of the front door . It was now a quarter after eight . Making his way around the castle , keeping close to the walls , so as not to be seen from the high windows by any one inside , Holmes led me out to the stables . Here I hid myself in one of the horses ' stalls , and Holmes walked into another one , where he found fat little Olaf Yensen , the first coachman , currying one of the noble steeds . `` Hello , there , What 's - your-name , '' Holmes called out , addressing Olaf .