6 p.m.
He had left his Essex home three weeks before , on the expiration of his ten days ' holiday , to return to his post of junior sub-reporter on the staff of a leading London evening paper . It was really only at night now that he got any time to himself . During the day his time was his paper 's , and he was compelled to spend the weary hours reading off results of races and other sporting items on the tape-machine . It was only at 6 p.m. that he could begin to devote himself to the service of his country . The Scouts had assembled now , and were standing , keen and alert , ready to do Clarence 's bidding . Clarence returned their salute moodily . `` Scout-master Wagstaff , '' he said .