nine o'clock
One morning when , for the tenth successive time , he slid into his desk-chair an hour late , Mr. Comer bowed to him , not only familiarly , but sarcastically , then invited him to step into his private office and see if he could locate the center of the carpet . It was a geometrical task that Louis had been wishing to try for some time . The senior partner began with elaborate sarcasm . `` I notice you 're not getting down until nine o'clock lately , Mr. Mitchell . Is your automobile out of order ? '' `` I have no automobile , Mr. Comer , '' the youth replied , respectfully . `` No ?