nine o'clock
And you must have the children ready -- and help me to take 'em off quietly , or -- or -- I do n't want no bother , '' he added meaningly . `` All right , '' said Mick ; `` they 'll be ready , '' and he followed the Signor down the steps of the van , Diana still holding the light . `` Nine o'clock , '' said the Signor once more , as if he depended more on the girl than on the man . `` At nine o'clock , '' she repeated , and she stood there till quite sure that the Signor had taken himself off , and that Mick had no intention of returning . Then she blew out the light and crept softly in and out among the vans , tethered horses , etc. , forming the gipsy caravan , till she came to the waggon where she knew Tim slept . He was wide awake , expecting her , and in answer to her whispered call said nothing till they had got some yards away . `` I think the other boys is asleep , '' he said , `` but best make sure .