nearly nine o'clock before
As soon as they could get away by themselves , they held a council to determine what was to be done . They had the business address of their uncle , Oscar Bryant , of the firm of Bryant , Wilder & Co. , wholesale dealers in agricultural implements , Front Street . But they knew enough about city life to know that it would be hopeless to look for him in his store at night . It would be nearly nine o'clock before they could reach any hotel . What was to be done ? Charlie was certain that no hotel clerk would be willing to give them board and lodging , penniless wanderers as they were , with nothing but one small valise to answer as luggage for the party . They could have no money until they found their uncle .