nine o'clock
The relationship puzzled Bobby , and did not altogether please him . He had been so accustomed to think of himself and his father quite alone , that this little girl and her mother seemed quite unnecessary . Conversation languished between them until Mr. Allonby had finished his note ; then he left the room , found a messenger to take it at once , and then for the next ten minutes all was bustle and confusion getting ready for the return journey . ` If we are quick we shall get home by nine o'clock , True , ' Mr. Allonby said as he wrapped a heavy rug round Bobby and tucked him in by his side in the car . Five minutes afterwards they were going swiftly up the high-road . To Bobby it all seemed a dream . He grasped Nobbles tightly , but no fear assailed him .