about a quarter to ten
There he stood in a very uncomfortable position without moving for a long time . Now and then Bertha stirred in her sleep , but neither Moggy on the table nor the newest doll with the painted head , who lay on the pillow , moved the hundredth part of an inch . Although the room was dim it was not quite dark , because some light came in from the gas outside on the landing . For a long time Mr. Western stood behind the window-curtain , and presently -- it must have been about a quarter to ten -- he heard a soft pattering on the floor . Peeping out cautiously from behind the curtain , he saw first the tip of Samuel 's nose , then his whole head , and at last his body . And now Mr. Western knew how the dolls had disappeared . He knew that Samuel was the culprit , and he smiled as he waited , expecting to see the terrier jump on the chair which stood beside the table and seize Moggy 's skirt between his teeth .