ten o'clock
The man took his advice , and slouched away round the castle , soon disappearing from their sight ; when , much excited by the unexpected little incident that they now would have to detail to Mrs Gilmour and Nellie , besides being full of Rover 's bravery and sagacity , they took their way home again , for the second time , across the common , the clock of old Saint Thomas 's church in the distance striking as they turned their faces homeward -- `` One -- two -- three -- four -- five -- six -- seven -- eight -- * Nine * ! '' `` Look sharp , lads , or we 'll be late for the steamer ! '' cried the old sailor , as they hurried along , setting the example by hastening onwards as fast as his little legs , aided by his ever-present malacca cane , could carry him . `` I 'm told that the _ Bembridge Belle _ will leave the pier at ten o'clock without fail , wind and weather permitting , and it has just struck nine -- all through your loitering and skylarking in the water , Master Bob and you Dick , and that long palaver we had afterwards with your friend the towel-thief . '' On reaching the house , where breakfast was all ready awaiting their arrival , the old Captain , while hurrying through the meal , found time to chaff Nellie about this `` rival collector , '' as he called the prowling tramp when narrating all about the adventure that had detained them ; telling her she would have to look to her laurels , and gather up all the odds and ends she could find , on the beach , or else this gentleman , who had displayed such zeal that morning in trying to add to his collection , would certainly outvie hers . `` Now , children , '' said Mrs Gilmour , when breakfast and chaff had both come to an end , repeating the Captain 's favourite word of command , `` Look sharp ! '' Her preparations had all been made beforehand ; and without losing another moment , she and the Captain , with Bob and Nellie behind them , started off , Dick , who had been taken care of meanwhile by Sarah in the kitchen , bringing up the rear with a substantial-looking hamper on his shoulder .