The school clock had struck half-past four nearly a quarter of an hour ago, and by five it would be quite dark.

Tea was at a quarter-past five, and for half an hour after tea boys could do as they liked.

Yes, it would be foolish to throw away such a chance.

At any rate, he would take the air after tea in Deadman's Lane, and if there he should meet--oh! how he wondered what his fortune would be! Tea was a feverish meal for Bilk that evening.

He spoke to no one, and ate very little; and as the hand of the clock worked round to a quarter to six he began to feel distinctly that a crisis in his life was approaching.