five o'clock
`` I should like to see what sort of a house Uncle Benjamin lives in , '' thought Herbert . There was nothing to prevent his gratifying this wish , as he had plenty of time on his hands . If he had had more money , he would have taken the horse cars , but in his present circumstances this would be imprudent . He decided , as it was only five o'clock , to take a leisurely walk up Broadway , noticing his uncle 's place of business on the way . A few minutes brought him in front of the latter -- an imposing-looking building , with all the appearance of belonging to a prosperous merchant . Appearances are deceitful , to be sure , and no doubt there are some merchants , as outwardly prosperous , who might profitably change places with their head clerks . But Herbert naturally judged from appearances , and he could not help contrasting in his mind his own condition with that of his uncle 's .