about nine o'clock
It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning -- a certain short , stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner , and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king 's man . Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder , it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting , by taking on mysterious airs , and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans . He was about the age of Humphrey , and though he was but a spy hired by Sir Thomas , he persisted in regarding himself as of great consequence and directly in the employ of the king . He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood , and he could hardly believe his eyes when , about nine o'clock , he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate , cross the bridge over the moat , and ride away into the wood , which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him . In great haste he began to come down the tree , muttering as he did so . `` They must all away yesterday morn to York on a holiday , '' he cried , `` and here am I left to take the young lord in my own person . When I have done so I warrant they get none of the reward .