half past nine
He turned to the preacher . `` You can do me a service , Mr. Menifee ; you can quiet the fears of my wife and daughter while I go down town . I have a most important matter of business on hand but they do n't want me to go . Why , '' he added , with a dry laugh , `` what is it to go down town at half past nine ? '' `` What , is it that late ? '' the old gentleman spoke up . `` Why , I am getting to be a late prowler .