eight o'clock
The boot-black drew a tin putty blower from his pocket , took unerring aim , and nailed in a single shot the minute hand to the dial . Going on with his blacking , yet stopping ever and anon to glance over the General 's plan of campaign , spread on the table before him , he was at last interrupted by the entrance of an officer . `` Everything is ready for the attack , General . It is now eight o'clock . '' `` Impossible ! It is only half-past seven . '' `` But my watch and the watches of your staff -- '' `` Are regulated by my kitchen clock , that has been in my family for years .