eight o'clock
The boy had much to tell his mother , little Helen , and Bill Tooley , who were sitting up waiting for him , when he arrived home ; but , after all , he left them to wonder over the age of Miss Halford , whom he only casually mentioned as Mr. Jones 's niece . When Derrick awoke the next morning , at an unusually early hour , it was with the impression that some great pleasure was in store for him . Before breakfast he went down into the mine to give Harry Mule 's sleek coat an extra rub , and to arrange for another boy and mule to take their places that day . At eight o'clock he presented himself at the door of Mr. Jones 's house , dressed in clean blue blouse and overalls , but wearing his smoke-blackened cap and the heavy boots that are so necessary in the wet underground passages of a mine . The mine boss had already gone to Mauch Chunk , and Miss Nellie was watching behind some half-closed shutters for the appearance of their young guide . `` Here he is , mamma ! '' she exclaimed , as she finally caught sight of Derrick .