one o'clock
We 'll ` ave you back on the brush on Monday morning ; we want to get outside done next week if it keeps fine . ' The ` brush ' alluded to by Nimrod was the large ` pound ' brush used in ordinary painting . Misery now began wandering about the house , in and out of the rooms , sometimes standing for several minutes silently watching the hands as they worked . As he watched them the men became nervous and awkward , each one dreading that he might be one of those who were to be paid off at one o'clock . At about five minutes to twelve Hunter went down to the paint-shop -- the scullery -- where Crass was mixing some colour , and getting ready some 'em pties ' to be taken to the yard . ` I suppose the b -- r 's gone to ask Crass which of us is the least use , ' whispered Harlow to Easton . ` I would n't be surprised if it was you and me , for two , ' replied the latter in the same tone .