nearly one o'clock
`` There , '' said Patty , triumphantly , as she tied up two great sheaves , `` I believe we gathered that quicker than if we had brought some boys along to help . Now let 's skip for home . '' The island was not very large , but in their search for the flowers they had wandered farther than they thought . `` It 's nearly one o'clock , '' said Patty , looking at her watch , and carrying their heavy cargo of golden flowers , they hastened back to where they had left their boat . But no boat was there . `` Oh , Bertha , '' cried Patty , `` the boat has drifted away ! '' `` Oh , pshaw , '' said Bertha , `` I do n't believe it .