about nine o'clock
A telegram came from Mr. Nelson that evening , saying he would remain in Boston two or three days . He added that there was `` no news , '' which the girls took to mean he had heard nothing about the diamonds . Will sent no word . It was about nine o'clock , when , after a stroll down the moonlit beach , the boys and girls were returning to the cottage . As they came up the walk a scream rang out . `` What 's that ? '' cried Allen , who was beside Betty .