two o'clock
The Ness was a mile off , but in the excitement of their pleasure they were oblivious of time . The Williams ' , for the boys ' convenience , usually dined at one , but on this day they waited half an hour for Eric . Since , however , he did n't appear , they dined without him , supposing that he was accidentally detained , and expecting him to come in every minute . But two o'clock came , and no Eric ; half-past two , and no Eric ; three , but still no Eric . Mrs. Williams became seriously alarmed , and even her husband grew uneasy . Vernon was watching for his brother at the window , and seeing Duncan pass by , ran down to ask him , `` If he knew where Eric was ? '' `` No , '' said Duncan ; `` last time I saw him was on the shore .