nine o'clock
`` I know what I know , '' said the irritating Potts , `` and I 'm sorry I ca n't tell ye but its a saycret yet awhile ; be patient . '' `` Who wants to know it anyway ? '' said Fitts , who was quite vexed now , `` I 'm sure _ I _ do n't , '' and he went out with a slight intimation that he had securely closed the door behind him . At nine o'clock Henry Rayne came downstairs , looking tired and pale , and instead of his usual hearty breakfast , he merely drank a cup of warm coffee . He had just finished this , and was balancing his spoon on the edge of his cup , as he cogitated upon the strange mission that had been thrust upon him , when Potts came in to serve his `` second cup , '' but instead of this , he bade her summons Fitts , that he had something to tell them both . When a few moments later Henry Rayne turned to confront his servants , who stood expectant before him , his troubled face and serious air made them start perceptibly ; in an earnest tone he said , `` I have received an important letter from a friend of mine , who has died since the writing thereof ; he has entrusted me with the care of his only child , and to comply with his dying request I must make immediate preparations to leave home , for I have a long way to travel before I can accomplish his desire ; I therefore want you to understand that I may be a very long or a very short while away from home , but I wish you both to serve me as faithfully on this occasion as you have on all others . Do n't talk about my absence more than you can help ; I can give all the necessary explanation on my return . ''