three o'clock
His feet freed , the boy looked about for some means by which to escape from the closet . The door was locked , as has been mentioned , but it was a poor affair , and Hal knew he could easily force it open with his shoulder . Before proceeding to this extremity , he listened intently . It must be near three o'clock , and he wondered if all the others had left . Suddenly voices broke upon his ear , and he heard Hardwick and Macklin enter the rear office . By applying his ear to the key-hole Hal heard what was said . If they opened the closet door , he determined to make a bold dash for liberty .