ten o'clock
It consisted of nothing but the plainest and most nourishing foods , and Hendricks expressed himself as feeling perfectly satisfied . After the meal they repaired to Mr. Melton 's rooms , and for a couple of hours the two old friends swapped yarns , while Tom and Bert and Dick listened with the greatest interest . They told tales of adventure by field and forest , and the time passed like magic . But `` Bull '' Hendricks was not to be beguiled into forgetting the time , and shortly after ten o'clock he glanced at his watch and rose . `` Time to be going , boys , '' he announced crisply . `` I 'm sure it would be a pleasure to stay all night , but rules are rules , you know . '' `` Well , I 'd like to have you stay , '' said Mr. Melton , `` but far be it from me to try to urge you against your judgment .