nine o'clock
Unquestionably they had got wind of something that aroused suspicion in their minds . I confidently expected them to reappear in the morning , perhaps disguised as workmen . Nor were my fears wholly unjustified . Shortly after nine o'clock a sly-faced man in overalls accosted me in the hall . `` I beg your pardon , Mr. Smart , '' he said in fairly good English , `` may I have a word with you ? I have a message from Mr. Pless . '' I do n't believe he observed the look of concern that flitted across my face .