6 o'clock
No scrap of writing could be found that threw the least light upon so startling a proceeding , nor did any one turn up with whom a message had been left . Evening approached and numerous misgivings entered Bob 's mind . He knew that Mr. Cinch 's domestic life was not without moments of bitterness , and he was satisfied that one of them had preceded his appearance at the office that morning . The vague suspicions that crept into his head were strengthened when , just before 6 o'clock , a messenger came from Mrs. Cinch loaded with inquiries . Mr. Cinch 's life was as regular as the movements of the stars . He had gone home at 4:30 P.M. for twenty years . Bob was really alarmed .