three o’clock
There must have been , however , a gradual declension towards it , although the pain which followed upon this has almost obliterated the recollection of preceding follies . Nobody does anything bad all at once . Wickedness needs an apprenticeship as well as more difficult trades . It was in January , not long after the shortest day , the sun setting about half-past three o'clock . At three school was over , and just as we were coming out , Peter whispered to me , with one of his merriest twinkles in his eyes : `` Come across after dark , Ranald , and we 'll have some fun . '' I promised , and we arranged when and where to meet . It was Friday , and I had no Latin to prepare for Saturday , therefore my father did not want me .