nearly three o'clock
For some reason the men evinced no inclination to leave the car . They hung about , perhaps waiting for something to turn up . Each felt that there was something in the air , nor were they mistaken . It was nearly three o'clock when Phil and Teddy returned to the car . Mr. Sparling was not with them . The lads went direct to the office , unlocked the door and entered . The men looked at each other and nodded as if to say , `` I told you so , '' but none ventured to speak .