Spigot: Unexpected results in Pd

I am getting unexpected results from [spigot], for example:

Here, I would never expect an output below (or equal to) 5. However, sometimes it does happen, demonstrated in the above screenshot.

Could someone please explain,

• Why this happens?
  • Is there a delay introduced in the [> 5] branch?
  • Is this because of "wiring order"?
• Whether it's possible to fix it, and how?

This happens because of message order. If you connect one atom with two patch cords, the first connected will transmit first. Your patch is not explicit, as I can't see in the resulting patch which was connected first. To avoid this, always use the trigger object. In your case add a [trigger float float] (or [t f f] for a shorthand) after the numberbox.