five minutes before nine
Some of the parents came along , accidentally of course , and stopped to see the fun , sure that Bud would thrash the master if he tried to break in . Small , on the way to see a patient perhaps , reined up in front of the door . Still no Ralph . It was just five minutes before nine . A rumor now gained currency that he had been seen going to Clifty the evening before , and that he had not come back , though in fact Ralph had come back , and had slept at Squire Hawkins 's . `` There 's the master , '' cried Betsey Short , who stood out in the road shivering and giggling alternately . For Ralph at that moment emerged from the sugar-camp by the school-house , carrying a board .