seven o’clock
`` You 'd better eat it now . I 'll see that he does n't disturb you . '' Phil followed the advice of his new friend promptly . He had eaten nothing since seven o'clock , and then only a piece of dry bread and cheese , and the apple , a rare luxury , he did not fail to relish . His would-be robber scowled at him meanwhile , for he had promised himself the pleasure of dispatching the fruit . Edward stood by till the apple was eaten , and then turned away . The rowdy made a movement as if to follow Phil , but Edward quickly detected him , and came back .