half past nine
`` Yew been noddin ' , Sam ` l ? Ai n't gittin ' sleepy a ` ready , are yer ? '' He glanced at the clock . `` Why , it 's only half past nine . Say , what 's the matter with me an ' yew goin ' west ter meet No. 5 ? Leetle breath o ' fresh air 'll make us sleep splendid . '' He started up from the couch , but dropped back , too heavy with weariness to carry off his bravado .