six o'clock
The thought that at nine o'clock or thereabouts , he would be able to place his hands on eight thousand pounds , gave him the material for his cheerfulness . He had often read of the joy of open air life , and the freedom of the hobo ; but open air life in London , on looking back upon it , did not appeal to him . He had been twice moved on by policemen , and his next door neighbours , after the departure of the barometer man , were of a type that inspired neither liking nor trust . He heard Big Ben booming six o'clock . He had three hours still before him , and he determined to take it out in walking . He would go citywards , and then come back with an appetite for breakfast . Having made this resolve , he started , passing through the deserted streets till he reached the Bank , and then onwards till he reached the Mile End Road .