nine o'clock
`` I dare say I can salvage an automatic rifle or two , '' she finished ; `` though large-sized firecrackers would do . The real thing is to make a noise . '' `` We might get some paper bags and burst them , '' suggested Mr. Burton ; `` and if you feel that music would add to the martial effect I can play fairly well on a comb . '' It was perhaps nine o'clock when we reached the crest of the hill , and had Tish not thoughtfully brought her wire cutters along I do not believe we would have succeeded in reaching headquarters . We got there finally , however , and it was in a cellar and -- though I do not care to reflect on our gallant army -- not as tidy as it should have been . Mr. Burton having remained behind temporarily the three of us made our way to the entrance , and Tish was almost bayoneted by a sentry there , who was nervous because of a number of shells falling in the vicinity . `` Take that thing away ! ''