a quarter to eight
Tom laughed , and at the same time felt annoyed with himself . `` Why did n't I do it at first ? '' he said ; `` and that is n't the worst of it -- that fellow will think I ran away because I was afraid of him . '' This last thought formed the subject upon which Tom dwelt all the way back , and he was still busy over an argument with himself as to whether he had been afraid of the young poacher or no , when , after missing the way two or three times among the firs , he caught sight of the church clock pointing to a quarter to eight . `` Just time to get in , '' he said , as he increased his pace ; and then -- `` Yes , I suppose it was afraid of him , for he is a good deal bigger and stronger than I am . '' `` Hullo , Tom ! been for a walk ? ''