twenty minutes to nine
`` Supper is ready , '' announced his mother . It was a cheerful meal . Andy had done much better than his mother expected , and it seemed likely that they would get along in spite of her being discharged by Mrs. Preston . `` It 's time for me to be goin ' back , '' said Andy , as the clock indicated twenty minutes to nine . `` I wish you could sleep at home , Andy , '' said his mother . `` They want me to purtect them , '' said our hero , with a little importance . `` I 'll pack my clothes in a handkerchief . ''