nine o’clock
Giacomo , at least , would miss him . He wished the little boy could have gone with him , but this , under present circumstances , was impossible . By staying he would only incur a severe punishment , without being able to help his comrade . It was still but nine o'clock . He had plenty of time before him , as he would not be missed by the padrone until he failed to make his appearance at night . Having no further occasion to go uptown , he decided to turn and walk down into the business portion of the city . He accordingly made his way leisurely to the City Hall Park , when he suddenly bethought himself of Paul Hoffman , who had served as his friend on a former occasion .