nine o'clock
Fred tossed and turned in bed , and more than once got up to look out the window for signs of a snowstorm . But he went to sleep at last , and slept soundly till awakened by the rattle of his alarm-clock , set for half-past six . He had an early breakfast and packed his clothes . At nine o'clock he telephoned the real estate office where he was employed , and had no difficulty in getting his holidays extended another week . Business was dull just then . At half-past nine he met Maurice and Peter , who were waiting for him with impatience . Macgregor had already left his toboggan at a sporting-goods store to be equipped with runners for use on ice .