half past nine
Dan said nothing , but tugged until he succeeded in bringing his watch up to the light . `` The blamed thing is water-logged , '' he uttered disgustedly . `` Why ? '' `` The hands point to less than half past nine ! '' Darrin managed to get at his own watch . `` My timepiece does n't call for half past nine , either , '' he announced . `` Can it be possible -- '' `` Yes ; the time has only seemed longer , I reckon , '' observed Dalzell .