a quarter
past eight
He left the room as he spoke , and the three younger boys slipped out quickly after him , each fearing to be the last , lest Mr. Anstruther should persist in accompanying them . The latter , however , recognising that Geoffrey was right , and that his presence would be a hindrance rather than a help , had already given up the idea of joining them . For once , as Edward remarked , Geoffrey 's motor bicycle happened to be in full working order , and in less than five minutes he had his acetylene lamp lighted , and had gone vigorously hooting down the drive . It was then half-past seven ; he expected , he said , to be easily back by a quarter past eight with the news whether the fugitive had reached Windy Gap or not . Edward , however , had shaken his head at that , and replied that , what with the bad roads and the fog , he could not be back in anything like that time . Hardly had Geoffrey gone than the boys were joined by Maud . `` I am coming with you three , '' she said .