eight
o'clock
I observed by the aid of a mirror standing on the floor in a teacher 's closet that I was growing large and good-looking ; my dark coat was smooth and glossy , my white shirt-front set off a well poised head , and I possessed as fine a pair of whiskers as ever graced a cat . Of these I was extremely proud , but used to keep my entire person well groomed as well as that particular portion of my features . I exercised in the school yard in order to keep in good form and also took boxing lessons from an acquaintance , who occasionally called . I soon began to tire of the school life and dull studies , however , and longed to go out somewhat during the evening , but the janitor was careful to lock me in the school at eight o'clock . One evening I found that a window on the ground floor had been left open . It was but the matter of a moment to vault out and I found myself on the street alone at night for the first time in my life . I remembered mother 's advice , but thought that she was rather too particular ; indeed I felt that I could come to no harm , so walked down the street , keeping an eye out for dogs , as mother had warned me to do .