six o'clock
Kent came swinging in at the gate and again the captain felt that twinge of envy and rebellion against fate as he saw the active figure come striding toward him . But , and doubly so because of that very twinge , his welcome was brimming with cordiality . Kent explained that his call must be a brief one , as he must hurry back to his room at the Macombers ' to study . It was part of his agreement with Eliphalet Bassett that his duties as bookkeeper at the latter 's store should end at six o'clock each night . Sears asked how he was getting on with his law study . He replied that he seemed to be getting on pretty well , but missed Judge Knowles ' help and advice very much indeed . `` I read with Lawyer Bradley over at Harniss now , '' he said .