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22267

6

six o'clock

Dinners and receptions demanded her presence as chief guest , while her newly acquired gift of speech-making was called into requisition on all sorts of occasions . But the finest social affair of all was the dinner given in her honor by the `` Progressive Workers , '' on the night before her inauguration . To this were invited all the notable men and women of Roma , the mayors of the neighboring cities and the governor of the State , who really attended , supported by a galaxy of uniformed officers which lent brilliancy by their glittering stars and bars , if not by their wit and intellect . Gertrude , arrayed in her finest Paris gown , -- a white embroidered crepon with garniture of exquisite lace , -- received the guests at six o'clock , in line with the governor and the mayors of six other cities , together with Mrs. Bateman as president of the `` P. W. 's '' , and Judge Bateman of the City Reform Club . John Allingham had been invited , too , to stand in line , as the head of the Municipal League , but until the last moment no answer was received from him . Gertrude had not seen him since election day . He had been ill after the election was all over , and unable to go out for a fortnight ; and although he had been strongly tempted to write a note of congratulation to the new mayor , he was kept back by pride -- which in this case , it must be admitted , was another name for obstinacy .

22267

0

midnight

`` Perhaps she 's right , '' responded Allingham . `` All we have been able to discover is that two electric cabs , both provided with outside means of locking the doors and windows , took the opposing candidates and went off twenty miles or so into the country , on the night before election , breaking up an important debate that might have turned the current of affairs in another direction -- '' '' -- Um , perhaps , '' interrupted Bailey . `` Perhaps not . Anyway , all this we knew before midnight , the evening it happened . '' `` Yes . And while there are no electric cabs in Roma , there are plenty of them within a radius of twenty-five miles of us . And the Burke gang could easily have brought any of them here .

22267

5

nearly five o'clock before

`` He has just stepped out , '' was the answer . `` Tell him , when he comes in , to please call at the mayor 's office before he goes home , '' replied Gertrude , `` Miss Van Deusen wishes to speak with him . '' She hung up her receiver and turned back to the duties of her desk . It was nearly five o'clock before she heard anything further . Then her telephone rang and a strange voice came over the wire . `` Mr. Fitzgerald has fallen and sprained his knee . He has to be put to bed , but wants to know if you wo n't come to see him tonight .

22267

8

eight o'clock

asked the mayor . `` In the Sutherland , '' was the reply , `` the big apartment building back of the American House . '' `` Very well . Tell him I will be there with Miss Snow at eight o'clock , '' she answered ; and then she called Mary Snow and told her of the appointment . `` Do n't you think we ought to take someone else along ? -- a man -- Bailey Armstrong , say ? '' `` O , no , '' returned the Mayor , confidently .

22267

7

a quarter before eight

He was a peculiar boy , but I could manage him . It will be better for us to go alone -- and quietly . We wo n't even take the carriage . I 'll come down on the car at a quarter before eight and meet you at Harne 's drug store . Then we 'll just go quietly up to Fitzgerald 's flat . I know his wife . '' `` Very well , '' said Mary .

22267

0

midnight

Had her cousin , Jessie Craig , been at home , she would have told her where she was going , but that lady had gone to Philadelphia for a few days ' visit , and there was no one in the Van Deusen home but the servants , to whom Miss Van Deusen had merely remarked that she was going out and would be back , probably , about ten . Mary Snow lived in an apartment hotel and occupied her two-room suite in spinster independence , carrying her own latch-key and accounting to no one for her goings and comings . So accustomed had the clerks and elevator-boys become to seeing her come in , during her newspaper days , at all hours of the night , that they paid little heed to her movements . So there was no one to feel any alarm when midnight came and they did not return from their excursion to the suffering Fitzgerald . Towards morning , however , when Miss Van Deusen failed to appear , the old butler who had known her so many years , became alarmed , and at daylight telephoned to Bailey Armstrong . The news came to him with a shock , but he went at once to Miss Snow 's hotel , thinking the Mayor might have stayed there for some reason . When he found them both missing , he became alarmed , sent for the chief of police and the district attorney , and telegraphed Jessie Craig to return .

22267

10

ten o'clock

They climbed up and peeped over , only to discover that they were seven stories from the ground , and looked only into a light-well . The flat across from them was unoccupied . They looked at their watches . It was ten o'clock -- even then the churches were chiming out the hour . `` Let us look for a note , or some intimation of what to expect , '' said Mary . `` I wonder if they are going to keep us here all night . '' `` It 's a trick , '' said Gertrude .

22267

3

three o'clock

`` Good idea , '' said Bailey . `` Let 's talk it over with Mason and Turner and Jewett , and see if we ca n't stir Mann up a bit . '' The two men had been lunching together at the club , with a little talk afterwards , while they smoked their cigars in the lazy summer atmosphere of the well-kept garden . `` Well , here it is three o'clock , '' added Bailey ; `` and I have an appointment at a quarter-past . So long . '' `` I must be going , too ; '' and Allingham followed , walking down street as far as his office . Once there , he hung up his hat , changed his coat for a thinner one , and sat down to his desk , whereupon a pile of letters lay unopened .

22267

1

one o'clock

`` There is no need of wasting further time . Come . '' They all filed out , Gertrude leading the way with Bailey , who assumed the care of her with such an air of possession that Allingham 's heart sank again . It was but a few moments before they were ascending the stairs of the apartment house -- the elevator ceasing to run after one o'clock . Gertrude led the way to the further end of the corridor . As they approached it , the dark figure of a man skulked out of the shadow and leapt through the open window . `` Quick !

22267

9

nine o'clock

No detective has yet found who sent her the message signed by Newton Fitzgerald , nor can they discover who was at the elevator to receive them when they mounted to their place of concealment , the regular incumbent having already proved an alibi . They met in the drug-store , but no one recognized or noticed them . The plot was carefully laid and successfully carried out , By whom , is at present , a mystery . '' By nine o'clock the Mayor was at her desk , with Mary Snow in her office . Friends tried to deter her , on the plea of needed rest , but she only laughed at them . `` Rest ? What else have I done but rest , for ten days past ? ''

22267

10

about ten o'clock

But there was little chance for `` buckling down '' that day . Even as she spoke , Bailey Armstrong was beside Mary Snow with warm greetings and Allingham was exchanging salutations with the Mayor herself . A stream of others were coming in , all the employees about the place , and hundreds of others , who wanted to clasp the hands of the returned prisoners , and assure them of their loyal support . The women of the city began to arrive about ten o'clock , the `` Progressives '' arriving at that hour in a body , and everyone of them clasping and kissing the Mayor as , it is safe to say , no incumbent of that office was ever hugged and kissed before -- at least , during office hours . `` O , Gertrude , '' said Mrs. Blake , `` we would never have put you in , if we 'd known what it would bring you . '' `` To think we were letting you in for kidnaping and imprisonment , '' said Mrs. Turner . `` Like a criminal -- or step-child , '' added Mrs. Mason .

22267

12

noon

It would have been just the same in the end . '' `` But Rudolph says -- '' insisted the weeping one , when the push from behind carried her on out into the corridors . Club-women , patriotic women , stay-at-home women were followed by women from the poorer classes who had waited until their morning 's work was done before coming to tell the Mayor how glad they were to have her back . Then noon came , bringing young women from the stores and offices and factories , all eager to add their bit of welcome ; and the school children , to shake her hand and go home and tell of this wonderful day , which afterward became a memory for a lifetime . When four o'clock came , Gertrude prepared to go home ; to rest and sleep in her own bed , worn out with the welcome of thousands of her people . Mary Snow had already succumbed to the demand on her energies and had gone an hour before . `` It 's worth the whole gamut of experience , '' Gertrude said to herself as she closed her desk , `` just to find out what it is to get at the heart of the American people .

22267

4

four o'clock

`` But Rudolph says -- '' insisted the weeping one , when the push from behind carried her on out into the corridors . Club-women , patriotic women , stay-at-home women were followed by women from the poorer classes who had waited until their morning 's work was done before coming to tell the Mayor how glad they were to have her back . Then noon came , bringing young women from the stores and offices and factories , all eager to add their bit of welcome ; and the school children , to shake her hand and go home and tell of this wonderful day , which afterward became a memory for a lifetime . When four o'clock came , Gertrude prepared to go home ; to rest and sleep in her own bed , worn out with the welcome of thousands of her people . Mary Snow had already succumbed to the demand on her energies and had gone an hour before . `` It 's worth the whole gamut of experience , '' Gertrude said to herself as she closed her desk , `` just to find out what it is to get at the heart of the American people . It 's a great experience , and I shall be a better woman for it , all my days . ''

22267

9

nine o'clock

`` On my word of honor , '' replied the chairman ; and he could not help it if his words and tone sounded rather bombastic . `` But , I am sorry , my dear lady -- but I have a very important engagement at this hour -- a personal matter , very dear to my heart , which compels me to ask you to excuse me now . I shall be glad to call upon you tomorrow morning , at any hour you may name . '' `` Can you make it nine o'clock , '' asked Gertrude -- `` or even earlier ? '' `` Yes , we must get definitely to work tomorrow morning , '' added Joyce . `` Certainly , nine -- or half past eight , if you choose , '' said Mann . `` In the meantime I will try to recall the minutest particulars of my connection with this office .

22267

8

half past eight

I shall be glad to call upon you tomorrow morning , at any hour you may name . '' `` Can you make it nine o'clock , '' asked Gertrude -- `` or even earlier ? '' `` Yes , we must get definitely to work tomorrow morning , '' added Joyce . `` Certainly , nine -- or half past eight , if you choose , '' said Mann . `` In the meantime I will try to recall the minutest particulars of my connection with this office . I am sure , my dear lady , you do not need to be assured of my loyalty to you -- nor to my native city . And now -- I bid you good-day . ''

22267

0

midnight

I want to be a respectable citizen for the sake of my boy and girl , Miss Van Deusen ; and their mother thinks the world of you -- and so do I , when you come to that . '' `` I am sure of that , '' answered Gertrude , smiling again at the thought that it was his loyalty which made of him her chauffeur on that memorable ride . `` I shall depend on you now . '' Thus it happened that Bailey Armstrong , who would trust no man to go alone , took the midnight train for the East , accompanied by the sheriff of Roma ; and that , in due course of time , they returned to Roma , `` bringing their sheaves with them '' in the form of Otis H. Mann , Esq. . The Old , Old Story The trial which followed was perhaps the most exciting event in the history of Roma . The indictment of Mann involved that of eight others , all more or less prominent in city politics ; and when the facts became known with regards to Mann 's connection with all the events narrated by Fitzgerald , the citizens were unanimous in demanding his punishment . Although the documental evidence in the city hall had all been destroyed or secreted , there were plenty of witnesses ready to testify to what they knew , as soon as they felt safe in doing so ; and although the stenographer 's notes and Mary Snow 's record of what took place while she was secreted in the closet during Vickery 's proposals of graft to the mayor were not to be found , Mary 's testimony was admitted .

22267

5

nearly five o'clock

`` If he had said another word , I should have given in , -- but he did n't . '' Still , that he would say it some other time , she knew . Then she would have to say yes . A Heart 's Awakening There were the afternoon letters to dictate , which took her nearly an hour ; and there were callers who kept her in the office until nearly five o'clock . When they had all left she sat for a moment , resting and reviewing the events of the day . `` I wonder if I 've done right , '' she queried . `` He will succeed me and do great things for Roma , but O , I wish I could help him .

25061

6

six A.M.

No ; your evidence wo n't be needed personally . You 've filed an affidavit . No , I do n't think -- wait a minute ! Yes , there 's a return here for you ; reservation on the six A.M. jet to New York . Your job here is done , Houston , so you can take the rest of the evening off and relax . Going anywhere in particular ? '' `` I thought I 'd get a bite to eat and take in a movie , maybe , but if I 'm due out at six , I 'll forego the cinematic diversion .

25061

6

six in the morning

_ _ You 're ready to take over here , then ? _ he asked . * * * * * At the table , several yards away from where Houston was sitting , Dorrine , still looking at the book , smiled faintly . _ I 'll have to ; you 're being transferred back to New York at six in the morning . _ Houston allowed a feeling of startled surprise to bridge the gap between their minds . _ How 'd you know that ? _ He had n't told her , and she could n't have forced the knowledge from his mind .

25067

4

4:30

It was delivered at a subsidized government surplus price of fifty dollars to Hendricks ' Sports and Hobbies Center , a store in Jarviston , Minnesota , that used to deal mostly in skin diving equipment , model plane kits , parts for souping up old cars , and the like . The Archer Five was a bit obsolete for the elegant U.S. Space Force boys -- hence the fantastic drop in price from two thousand dollars since only last June . It was still a plenty-good piece of equipment , however ; and the cost change was a real break for the Bunch . By 4:30 that bright October afternoon , those members who were attending regular astronautics classes at Jarviston Technical College had gathered at Hendricks ' store . Ramos and Tiflin , two wild characters with seldom-cut hair and pipe stem pants , who did n't look as if they could be trusted with a delicate unpacking operation , broke the Archer out with a care born of love , there in Paul Hendricks ' big backroom shop , while the more stolid members -- and old Paul , silent in his swivel chair -- watched like hawks . `` So who tries it on first ? '' Ramos challenged .

25067

8

eight o'clock

He had learned a lot about space , but it remained curiously inconceivable to him . He felt the frost-fringed thrill . `` Now we know -- a little , '' he chortled , after he stood again , just in his usual garb . It was almost eight o'clock . Gimp Hines had n't gone to supper , or to celebrate decision on one of the last evenings of any kind of freedom from work . He could n't wait for that ... Under fluorescent lights , he was threading wire through miniature grommets , hurrying to complete the full-size ionic drive . He said , `` Hi , Frank , '' and let his eyes drop , again , into absorption in his labors .

25067

0

midnight

For most , there were those tough courses at Tech . And a job , for money , for sustenance . And the time that must be spent working for -- Destiny . Sleep was least important -- a few hours , long after midnight , usually . Frank Nelsen figured that he had it relatively easy -- almost as easy as the Kuzak twins , who , during football season , were under strict orders to get their proper sack time . He worked at Hendricks ' -- old Paul did n't mind his combining the job with his labors of aspiration . Ramos , the night-mechanic , Tiflin , the car-washer , and Two-and-Two Baines , the part-time bricklayer , did n't have it so easy .

25067

21

every weekday, six to ten p.m.

`` Think nothing of it , '' Charlie Reynolds or David Lester , or most any of the others , would tell him . Two-and-Two had n't come near Frank Nelsen very much , during the last few days , though Frank had tried to be friendly . Lester was the only one without an activity to support himself . But he was at the shop every weekday , six to ten p.m. , cementing stellene with meticulous care , while he muttered and dreamed . The Bunch griped about courses , jobs , and the stubbornness of materials , but they made progress . They had built their first bubb and ionic . The others would be easier .

25067

12

noon

Even Jig Hollins did n't make any comments . Gimp , himself , seemed pretty subdued . The small , green space-fitness cards were arriving at Jarviston addresses in the morning . Near the end of the noon hour , Two-and-Two Baines was waving his around the Tech campus , having gone home to look , as of course everybody else who could , had also done . `` Cripes ! -- Hi-di-ho -- here it is ! '' he was yelling at the frosty sky , when Frank came with his own ticket .

25067

12

noon

And I will deduct a hundred dollars from his pay , and give it to you . '' `` Much obliged , '' Frank said dryly . After that , everything happened to build his tensions to the breaking point . At a work period 's end , near the lunar noon , he heard a voice in his helmet-phone . `` Frank -- this is Two-and-Two ... ! Why do n't you ever call or answer ... ? '' Two-and-Two 's usually plaintive voice had a special quality , as if he was maybe in trouble .

25067

2

two a.m

Even Davy 's slight fear was more than half thrill . At the new Minneapolis port , Nelsen delivered David Lester , Junior into the care of his grandmother , who seemed much more human than Nelsen once had thought long ago . Then he excused himself quickly . Seeking the shelter of anonymity , he bought a rucksack for his few clothes , and boarded a bus which dropped him at Jarviston , Minnesota , at two a.m. . He thrust his hands into his pockets , partly like a lonesome tramp , partly like some carefree immortal , and partly like a mixed-up wraith who did n't quite know who or what he was , or where he belonged . In his wallet he had about five hundred dollars . How much more he might have commanded , he could n't even guess .

25067

8

eight o'clock

He arose to his feet , slowly . `` What am I doing here -- wasting time ? '' he seemed to ask the woods . Without picking up his camping gear at all , he headed for the road , thumbed a ride to Jarviston , where he arrived before eight o'clock . Somebody had started ringing the city hall bell . Celebration ? Hendricks ' was the most logical place for Nelsen to go , but he passed it by , following a hunch to his old street .

32237

12

noon

The Aztlan ship had landed early that July morning , dropping silently through the overcast covering International Airport . It settled gently to rest precisely in the center of the junction of the three main runways of the field , effectively tying up the transcontinental and transoceanic traffic . Fully five hundred feet in diameter , the giant ship squatted massively on the runway junction , cracking and buckling the thick concrete runways under its enormous weight . By noon , after the first skepticism had died , and the unbelievable TV pictures had been flashed to their waiting audience , the crowd began to gather . All through that hot July morning they came , increasing by the minute as farther outlying districts poured their curious into the Airport . By early afternoon , literally hundreds of millions of eyes were watching the great ship over a world-wide network of television stations which cancelled their regular programs to give their viewers an uninterrupted view of the enigmatic craft . By mid-morning the sun had burned off the overcast and was shining with brassy brilliance upon the squads of sweating soldiers from Fort Lewis , and more sweating squads of blue-clad police from the metropolitan area of Seattle-Tacoma .

16074

0

midnight

`` Thanks ! Did he like that , too ? '' `` Why , sir -- I -- indeed -- '' `` Oh , never mind -- to-night is an occasion , anyway -- just a splash of soda ! Yes , Brimberly , when the clocks strike midnight I shall be thirty-five years old -- '' `` Indeed , sir ! '' exclaimed Brimberly , clasping his plump hands softly and bowing , `` then allow me to wish you many , many ` appy returns , sir , with continued ` ealth , wealth , and all ` appiness , sir ! '' `` Happiness ? '' repeated Young R. , and smiled quite bitterly , as only the truly young can smile .

16074

0

midnight

Being alone , Mr. Ravenslee switched off the lights and sat in the fire-glow . `` Feminine gender , singular number , objective case , governed by the verb -- to love -- I wonder ! '' And he laughed a little bitterly -LRB- and very youthfully -RRB- as he stared down into the dying fire . A clock in the hall without struck midnight , but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away , his chin sunk upon his broad chest , his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers , lost in profound and gloomy meditation . But , all at once , he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window , the curtains of which were only partly drawn , and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness . As he sat thus , broad shoulders stooped , feet drawn up -- poised for swift action , he beheld a light that flashed here and there , that vanished and came again , hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window ; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire . Came a soft click , a faint creak , and a breath of cool , fragrant air as the window was cautiously opened , and a shapeless something climbed through , while Mr. Ravenslee sat motionless -- waiting .

16074

2

nearly two o'clock

Hereupon Mr. Brimberly rolled his eyes in Spike 's direction , glanced him over , touched either whisker , and bowed -- and lo ! those fleecy whiskers were now eloquent of pompous dignity , beholding which Spike shuffled his feet , averted his eyes , and twisted his cap into a very tight ball indeed . But now Brimberly turned his eyes -LRB- and his whiskers -RRB- on his master , who had taken out his watch . `` Brimberly , '' said he , `` it is now very nearly two o'clock . '' `` Very late , sir -- oh , very late , sir -- indeed , I was in the very hact of goin ' to bed , sir -- I 'd even unbuttoned my waistcoat , sir , when you rang -- two o'clock , sir -- dear me , a most un - ` oly hour , sir -- '' `` Consequently , Brimberly , I am thinking of taking a little outing -- '' `` Certingly , sir -- oh , certingly ! '' `` And I want some other clothes -- '' `` Clothes , sir -- yessir . There 's the noo ` arris tweed , sir -- '' `` With holes in them , if possible , Brimberly . '' ''

16074

2

two o'clock

those fleecy whiskers were now eloquent of pompous dignity , beholding which Spike shuffled his feet , averted his eyes , and twisted his cap into a very tight ball indeed . But now Brimberly turned his eyes -LRB- and his whiskers -RRB- on his master , who had taken out his watch . `` Brimberly , '' said he , `` it is now very nearly two o'clock . '' `` Very late , sir -- oh , very late , sir -- indeed , I was in the very hact of goin ' to bed , sir -- I 'd even unbuttoned my waistcoat , sir , when you rang -- two o'clock , sir -- dear me , a most un - ` oly hour , sir -- '' `` Consequently , Brimberly , I am thinking of taking a little outing -- '' `` Certingly , sir -- oh , certingly ! '' `` And I want some other clothes -- '' `` Clothes , sir -- yessir . There 's the noo ` arris tweed , sir -- '' `` With holes in them , if possible , Brimberly . '' '' ` Oles , sir !

16074

3

three o'clock

`` No , Brimberly -- I 'm going to try and find one for myself . '' `` Ho -- very good , sir ! '' `` And now , '' said the new Mr. Ravenslee , laying one white , ringless hand on Spike 's shoulder and pointing toward the open door with the other , `` lead on -- young Destiny ! '' It was past three o'clock and dawn was at hand as , by devious ways , Spike piloted his companion through that section of New York City which is known to the initiated as `` Hell 's Kitchen . '' By dismal streets they went , past silent , squalid houses and tall tenements looming grim and ghostly in the faint light ; crossing broad avenues very silent and deserted at this hour , on and on until , dark and vague and mysterious , the great river flowed before them only to be lost again as they plunged into a gloomy court where tall buildings rose on every hand , huge and very silent , teeming with life -- but life just now wrapped in that profound quietude of sleep which is so much akin to death . Into one of these tall tenement buildings , its ugliness rendered more ugly by the network of iron fire-escape ladders that writhed up the face of it , Spike led the way , first into a dark hallway and thence up many stairs that echoed to their light-treading feet -- on and up , past dimly lit landings where were doors each of which shut in its own little world , a world distinct and separate wherein youth and age , good and evil , joy and misery , lived and moved and had their being ; behind these dingy panels were smiling hope and black despair , blooming health and pallid sickness , and all those sins and virtues that go to make up the sum total of humanity . Something of all this was in Geoffrey Ravenslee 's mind as he climbed the dingy , interminable stair behind Spike , who presently halted to get his wind and whisper : `` It ai n't much further now , Geoff , only another two flights and -- '' He stopped suddenly to listen , and from the landing above a sound reached them , a sound soft but unmistakable -- a woman 's muffled sobbing .

16074

11

eleven o'clock

`` I do n't know , Hermy dear , '' came in Mrs. Trapes ' harsh tones , `` I 'm afraid he 's gone to bed -- anyway , I 'll see ! '' Ensued a knocking of bony knuckles and , opening the door , Ravenslee beheld Mrs. Trapes . Behind her stood Hermione , and in her eyes he saw again that look of wistful , anxious fear he had wondered over at the first . `` Oh , Mr. Geoffrey , '' said Mrs. Trapes , `` it 's eleven o'clock , an ' that b ' y ai n't in yet . Here 's Hermy been out hunting the streets for him and ai n't found him . Consequently she 's worriting herself sick over him -- drat ` im ! '' `` Out on the streets ! ''

16074

0

midnight

That b ` y 'll come back all right , he will -- he will , I know he will . Oh , if I was only behind ` im with a toasting fork ! There , there , Hermy dear , do n't fret , Arthur 'll come home all right . My honey , you 're all tuckered out , an ' here it 's gettin ' on to midnight , an ' you to go to Englewood by the early car ! Go to bed , dear , an ' I 'll sit up for Arthur . Only do n't cry , Hermy -- '' `` Oh , I 'm not crying , dear , '' said Hermione , lifting her head . `` See , I have n't shed a tear !

16074

0

midnight

Poor lass -- poor , lonely lass ! ' T was her father drove her to it , an ' now he 's had a fit -- a stroke , the doctor 's with him now -- an ' Hermy , of course ! She 's always around where trouble is . I guess there wo n't be much rest for her to-night -- long past midnight now ! I 'm glad you found that b ` y. I said you would . I 'll jest go down and tell Hermy ; she 'll be glad . '' Spike stood awhile after Mrs. Trapes had gone down-stairs , very silent and with head a-droop , then , slow and heavily , turned and opened his door , but paused to speak over his shoulder in a hoarse whisper .

16074

12

morning, noon

growled M'Ginnis , black brows fierce and scowling , `` a hell of a lot you care for Hermy , I -- do n't think ! '' `` Say now , you Bud , whatcher mean ? '' demanded Spike , quivering with sudden anger . `` Just this , Kid -- what kind of a brother are ye t ' go lettin ' that noo pal o ' yours -- that guy you call Geoff -- go sneaking round her morning , noon , an ' night ? '' `` You cut that out , Bud M'Ginnis . Geoff do n't ! Geoff ai n't that kind . ''

16074

8

Five minutes after eight

I 'm th ' guy as only takes chances he 's paid t ' take . '' `` How much are you getting on this job , Spider ? '' `` Oh -- well -- I mean -- say , what 's th ' time , bo ? '' `` Five minutes after eight -- why ? '' `` I guess d' Kid 's in th ' ring , then . There 's a full card t ` night , an ' he 's scheduled for eight sharp , so I reckon he 's fightin ' now -- an ' good luck to him ! '' By this time they had reached that dark and quiet neighbourhood where stood O'Rourke 's saloon .

16074

10

half after ten

`` Orders ! '' nodded Mrs. Trapes . `` She come in here last night an ' give it me after you was gone t ' bed . ` Ann dear , ' she says , ` do n't let him have it till half after ten t ' morrer , ' she says . An ' it 's nearly eleven now -- so there 's y' r letter ! '' `` But , '' said Ravenslee , `` why on earth -- '' `` P'raps th ' letter 'll tell you , Mr. Geoffrey ; s ` pose you read it while I clear away your breakfast things ! '' Hereupon Ravenslee opened the letter and read these words : My dear , It would be my joy to trust myself to you utterly , to go with you to the world 's end if you would have it so .

16074

4

about four o'clock

`` She means jest strawberry jam an ' angel cake an ' water cress , fer tea -- fer your visitors , '' said Mrs. Trapes , with a patient sigh . `` Visitors ! '' repeated Ravenslee , glancing up . `` Why , yes , they 'll be here about four o'clock . '' `` An ' will water cress an ' angel cake an ' -- '' `` Quite enough ! Certainly ! Admirable ! ''

16074

12

midday

At Times Square Ravenslee entered the subway and , buying his ticket , was jostled by a boy , a freckled boy , round-headed and round of nose , who stared at him with a pair of round , impertinent eyes . Lost in happy speculation he was duly borne to One Hundred and Thirtieth Street , where he boarded the ferry . Upon the boat he was again conscious of a round head that bobbed here and there amid the throng of passengers , but paid small heed as he leaned to watch the broad and noble river and the green New Jersey shore . At Fort Lee , exchanging boat for trolley car , he was once more vaguely conscious of two round eyes that watched him from a rear seat ; but as the powerful car whirled them up-hill , plunged them down steep inclines , swung them around sharp curves , through shady woods , past far-flung boughs whose leaves stirred and whispered as the great car fleeted by , he fell again to dreaming of Hermione and the future ; and so reached Englewood , a small township dreaming in the fierce midday sunshine . Here he enquired of a perspiring butcher in shirtsleeves the whereabouts of the house he wanted and , being fully directed and carefully admonished how to get there , set off along the road . And remembering that her feet must often have traversed this very path , he straightway fell to his dreaming again . Thus how should he know anything of the round head that bobbed out from behind bush or tree ere it followed whither he went ?

16074

5

half after five

`` Why , then it sure will be . An ' f ' r a weddin ' supper , y ' could n't have nothin ' better 'n shin o ' beef . I 'll go an ' watch over that stoo with care unfailin ' , my dear ; believe me , that stoo 's goin ' t ' be a stoo as is a stoo ! What , half after five ? Land sakes , how time flies ! '' When Mrs. Trapes was gone , Hermione stood a long time to look at herself in her little mirror , viewing and examining each feature of her lovely , intent face more earnestly than she had ever done before ; and sometimes she smiled , and sometimes she frowned , and all her thought was : `` Shall I make him happy , I wonder ? Can I be all he wants -- all he thinks I am ? ''

16074

0

midnight

`` Husband -- say , d' ye mean Geoff ? '' `` That 's who , Kid . You was crackin ' on t ' me about wantin ' t ' make good ; well , here 's y' r chance . Bud aims t ' get there ` bout midnight -- up th ' river , you know -- so you got two hours . You 'll have t ' go some t ' get in first , but I guess you can do it . '' `` I will if it kills me ! '' cried Spike , springing toward the door .

16074

11

eleven o'clock

But as he read the humble entreaties , the passionate pleading of those written words , blotted and smeared with the bitter tears of a woman 's poignant shame and anguish , Soapy 's pendent cigarette fell to the floor and lay there smouldering and forgotten , and his lips were drawn back from sharp , white teeth -- pallid lips contorted in a grin the more awful because of the great drops that welled from the fierce , half-closed eyes . Every letter he read and every word , then very methodically set them back within the faded blue ribbon and sat staring down at them with eyes wider open than usual -- eyes that saw back into the past . And as he sat thus , staring at what had been , he repeated a sentence to himself over and over again at regular intervals , speaking with a soft inflection none had ever heard from him before : `` Poor little Maggie -- poor little kid ! '' `` Past eleven o'clock , dear , '' said Hermione . `` Still so early ? '' sighed Ravenslee . They were sitting alone in the fire glow , so near that by moving his hand he could touch her where she sat curled up in the great armchair ; but he did not reach out his hand because they were alone and in the fire glow , and Hermione had never seemed quite so alluring .

16074

0

midnight

Oh , break your word for once -- kiss me , my husband ! '' So while she knelt to him thus , he kissed her until she sighed and stirred in his embrace . Then she rose and hand in hand they crossed the room and he opened the door ; for a blissful moment they stood there silent in the shadows , but when he would have kissed her again she laughed at him through her tears and fled from him up the wide stairway . A clock in the hall without struck midnight , but Ravenslee sat on long after the silvery chime had died away , his chin sunk on broad chest , his eyes staring blindly at the fading embers , lost in profound but joyful meditation ; once he turned to look where she had stood beside the mantel , and once he reached out to touch the thrice-blessed chair that had held her . The curtains stirred and rustled at the open window behind him , but he sat looking into the flickering fire , seeing there pictures of the future , and the future was full of a happiness beyond words , for in every picture Hermione moved . All at once he started and glanced swiftly around , his lounging attitude changing to one of watchful alertness , for he had heard a sound that drew rapidly nearer -- the hiss and pant of breath drawn in quick gasps . Silently he arose and turned to see the curtains swing apart and a shapeless something stagger forward and fall heavily .

16074

5

five o'clock

But instead of doing so , Mrs. Trapes sank down in the chair beside the table and bowed her head in her hands . `` Hermy , '' said she , `` oh , my lamb , he 's gone ! You left Arthur in my care an ' -- he 's gone , an ' it 's my fault . Went away at five o'clock , an ' here it is nigh on to ten -- an ' him sick ! God knows I 've searched for him -- tramped to th ' ferry an ' back , an ' th ' footmen they 've looked for him an ' so have th ' maids -- but Arthur 's gone -- an ' it 's my fault ! So , Hermy -- my dear -- blame me an ' let me go -- '' The harsh voice broke and , bowing her head , she sat silent , touching the unopened packet of jewellery with one long , bony finger . `` Why , Ann -- dear Ann -- you 're crying ! ''

16074

0

midnight

`` Them nightdresses , '' she sighed , `` as is all fluffs an ' frills an ' openwork , may be all right when you 're young , but for true comfort give me -- flannel , every time . '' Here Ravenslee , in the act of sipping his brandy and soda , choked ; when at last he glanced around , Mrs. Trapes was gone . Then he drew a chair to the fire and , sitting down , took up his pipe and tried to light it , but Hermione 's nervous white fingers had packed it too tightly for mortal suction , whereat he sighed and , yielding to the impossible , sat with it in his hand , lost in happy thought and waiting for the swift light footsteps he yearned to hear . The clock in the hall without struck midnight , but long after the mellow chime had died away he sat there waiting ; but the great house lay very still about him , and no sound broke the pervading quiet . Wherefore at last he grew restless , frowned at the dying fire , and his strong fingers clenched themselves fiercely about the pipe they still held . All at once he started , rose to his feet , and turned toward the door eager-eyed , as a hand knocked softly ; before he could speak it opened , and Mrs. Trapes reappeared ; she was clad in a long flannel dressing gown , and as she paused in the shadows by the door he could vaguely define that she still held the precious watch to her ear . `` It do tick that musical , '' she said , `` an ' I ca n't sleep this night till I 've tried t ' thank ye both for -- for all your goodness to a lonely woman .

27373

1

the hour of one

`` Nobody cared for me , and I cared for nobody . I wished to take a peep at the world , and determined to travel over as much of its surface as I possibly could ; and please myself as to the method I employed to effect my object . `` I have been in a great many foreign countries , and seen a great many strange people ; and been an actor in many extraordinary scenes ; and I have come to the conclusion , that the world after all is not such a terrible bad world to live in , and that the very worst of its inhabitants are not entirely without some good . '' As she finished this sentence , the church clock proclaimed to the whole town the hour of one . Miss Wilhelmina sprang from her chair , exclaiming , `` Holloa ! that 's my dinner-hour . It will take me ten minutes to get home , and the fish will be quite spoilt .

27373

8

eight o’clock precisely

It is highly amusing to watch from a distance these self-made ladies and gentlemen sporting their borrowed plumes . Some years after she had been settled in Canada , Flora picked up a note which had been thrown out as waste paper , and which was addressed to the father of a very dirty , dishonest girl , whom she had dismissed from her service for sundry petty frauds , a few weeks before . It was addressed to Edward Brady , Esqre. , and ran as follows : -- `` Honoured Sir , `` The company of _ self _ and _ lady _ , is respectfully solicited at a _ contribution _ ball , to be given next Thursday evening , at the Three King 's Inn . Dancing to commence at eight o'clock precisely . Stewards -LCB- Patrick Malone , Esq. . -LCB- John Carroll , Esq. '' All the parties herein named were persons of the very lowest class ; and the titles thus pompously bestowed upon themselves , rendered the whole affair exquisitely ridiculous . At a _ contribution _ ball , each person brings a share of the entertainment .

27373

0

midnight

I cried . But no David was there . I glanced all round the wide , open space : not an object was moving over its surface . A deep stillness reigned all around , only interrupted by the solemn thunder of the waters , whose hollow surging against the shore rendered the solitude of the midnight hour more profound . `` Again I felt those cold chills steal through me -- again the unbidden tears streamed down my cheeks . ``` What can have become of him ? ' said I , quite bewildered with surprise and fear ; ` he must have got in at the back window !

27373

6

six o’clock

Flora felt truly ashamed of the old man 's meanness , but was glad to repay his trifling services in a way suggested by himself . The weather for the last three weeks had been unusually fine , but towards the evening of this memorable 30th of May , large masses of clouds began to rise in the north-west , and the sea changed its azure hue to a dull leaden grey . Old Kitson shook his head prophetically . `` There 's a change of weather at hand , Mrs. Lyndsay ; you may look out for squalls before six o'clock to-morrow . The wind shifts every minute , and there 's an ugly swell rolling in upon the shore . '' `` Ah , I hope it will be fine , '' said Flora , looking anxiously up at the troubled sky ; `` it is so miserable to begin a long journey in the rain . Perhaps it will pass off during the night in a thunder-shower . ''

27373

12

noon

Hannah , the servant , lay stretched at the bottom of the boat , her head supported by the ballast-bags , in a state too miserable to describe ; while James Hawke , the lad who was to accompany them in their long voyage , had sunk into a state of happy unconsciousness , after having vainly wished , for the hundredth time , that he was safe on shore , scampering over the village green with his twelve brothers and sisters , and not tempting the angry main in an open boat , with the windows of heaven discharging waters enough upon his defenceless head to drown him -- without speaking of the big waves that every moment burst into the boat , giving him a salt bath upon a gigantic scale . After an hour 's hard rowing , the _ King William _ -LRB- for so their boat was called -RRB- , cast anchor in the roadstead , distant about eight miles from the town , and lay to , waiting for the coming-up of the steamer . Hours passed away , -- the day wore slowly onward , -- but still the vessel they expected did not appear . The storm , which had lulled till noon , increased in violence , until it blew `` great guns , '' to use the sailors ' nautical phraseology ; and signs of uneasiness began to be manifested by the hardy crew of the pilot-boat . `` Some accident must have befallen the steamer , '' said Palmer , the captain of the boat , to Craigie , a fine , handsome young seaman , as he handed him the bucket to bale the water from their vessel . `` I do n't like this ; I 'll be -- -- if I do ! If the wind increases , and remains in the present quarter , a pretty kettle of fish it will make of us .

27373

12

noon

Upon examination , Lyndsay found that the salt-water had penetrated into all their trunks and cases ; and that everything would have to be unpacked and hung out to dry . This was indeed dull work , the disappointment and loss attending upon it rendering it doubly irksome . While Flora and her friend Mary superintended this troublesome affair , Lyndsay lost no time in writing to the steamboat company , informing them of his disastrous attempt to meet the _ Soho _ ; and the loss he had incurred by missing the vessel . They stated in reply , that the boat had been wrecked at the mouth of the Thames , in the gale ; and that another boat would supply her place on the Sunday following ; that she would pass the town at noon , and hoist a red flag at her stern , as a signal for them to get on board . This was Thursday , and the intervening days passed heavily along . A restless fever of expectation preyed upon Flora . She could settle to no regular occupation ; she knew that the delay only involved a fresh and heavy expense , that they must ultimately go , and she longed to be off .

27373

0

midnight before

cried one of the men , laying his ear to the side of the boat , `` I hear the flippers of the steamer . '' `` It is the roar of the accursed _ Barnet _ , '' cried the other . `` I know its voice of old , having twice been wrecked upon the reef -- we must change our course ; we are on a wrong tack altogether . '' It was near midnight before a breeze sprang up and dispelled the ominous fog . The moon showed her wan face through the driving scud , the sail was at last hoisted , and cold and hungry , and sick at heart , our voyagers once more returned to their old port . This time , however , the beach was silent and deserted . No friendly voice welcomed them back .

27373

1

one o’clock in the morning

The moon showed her wan face through the driving scud , the sail was at last hoisted , and cold and hungry , and sick at heart , our voyagers once more returned to their old port . This time , however , the beach was silent and deserted . No friendly voice welcomed them back . Old Kitson looked cross at being roused out of his bed at one o'clock in the morning , to admit them into the house , muttering as he did so , something about `` unlucky folks , and the deal of trouble they gave ; that they had better give up going to Canada altogether , and hire their old lodgings again ; that it was no joke , having his rest broken at his time of life ; that he could not afford to keep open house at all hours , for people who were in no ways related to him . '' With such consoling expressions of sympathy in their forlorn condition , did the hard , worldly old man proceed to unlock the door of their former domicile ; but food , lights , and firing , he would not produce , until Lyndsay had promised ample remuneration for the same . Exhausted in mind and body , for she had not broken her fast since eight o'clock that morning , Flora for a long time refused to partake of the warm cup of tea her loving partner had made with his own hands for her especial benefit ; and her tears continued to fall involuntarily over the sleeping babe which lay upon her lap . Mr. Hawke saw that her nerves were completely unstrung by fatigue , and ran across the green , and called up Flora 's nurse to take charge of the infant .

27373

8

eight o’clock

No friendly voice welcomed them back . Old Kitson looked cross at being roused out of his bed at one o'clock in the morning , to admit them into the house , muttering as he did so , something about `` unlucky folks , and the deal of trouble they gave ; that they had better give up going to Canada altogether , and hire their old lodgings again ; that it was no joke , having his rest broken at his time of life ; that he could not afford to keep open house at all hours , for people who were in no ways related to him . '' With such consoling expressions of sympathy in their forlorn condition , did the hard , worldly old man proceed to unlock the door of their former domicile ; but food , lights , and firing , he would not produce , until Lyndsay had promised ample remuneration for the same . Exhausted in mind and body , for she had not broken her fast since eight o'clock that morning , Flora for a long time refused to partake of the warm cup of tea her loving partner had made with his own hands for her especial benefit ; and her tears continued to fall involuntarily over the sleeping babe which lay upon her lap . Mr. Hawke saw that her nerves were completely unstrung by fatigue , and ran across the green , and called up Flora 's nurse to take charge of the infant . Mrs. Clarke , kind creature that she was , instantly hurried to the house to do what she could for the mother and child . Little Josey was soon well warmed and fed , and Flora smiled through her tears , when her husband made his appearance .

27373

0

midnight

Return , dearest , to the cabin . '' With reluctance Flora obeyed . Beside him she felt neither the cold nor wet ; and , with the greatest repugnance , she re-entered the ladies ' cabin , and , retiring to her berth , enjoyed for several hours a tranquil and refreshing sleep . It was midnight when Mrs. Lyndsay awoke . A profound stillness reigned in the cabin ; the invalids had forgotten their sufferings in sleep , -- all but one female figure , who was seated upon the carpeted floor , just in front of Flora 's berth , wrapped in a loose dressing-gown , and engaged in reading a letter . Flora instantly recognised in the watcher the tall , graceful figure of Mrs. Dalton . Her mind seemed agitated by some painful recollections ; and she sighed frequently , and several tears stole slowly over her cheeks , as she replaced the paper carefully in her bosom , and for many minutes appeared lost in deep and earnest thought .

27373

6

six o’clock

`` Oh , nothing particular , dear . M -- -- knows that we are in lodgings , and ca n't manage as well as if we were in a house of our own . A nice cut of fresh salmon , which is always to be had in the fish-market , a small roast of beef , or leg of mutton , with vegetables and a pudding , will do ; and , above all things , Flora , do n't look annoyed , if every thing does not exactly please you , or it will only make matters worse . I am going to call upon M -- -- this morning , and I will ask him and his friend P -- -- to step over and dine with us at six o'clock . '' `` What shall we do for wine and spirits ? '' `` I will order these as I go along . So mind , dear , and have everything as snug and comfortable as you can . ''

27373

18

six in the evening

I know that it is foolish to be afraid of an evil which we can not avoid ; but I find it impossible to divest myself of this fear . I look worse than I feel just now , '' she continued , walking across the room , and surveying her face in the glass . `` My colour is returning -- I shall pass muster with the doctors yet . '' The great business of packing up for the voyage went steadily forward all day ; and before six in the evening , trunks , bedding , and little ship stores , were on board , ready for a start . Flora was surprised in the afternoon by a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Gregg , and the two rosy girls , who expressed the greatest regret at their departure . They had made a plum-cake for Mrs. Lyndsay to eat during the voyage ; and truly it looked big enough to have lasted out a trip to the South Seas , while Mrs. Gregg had brought various small tin canisters filled with all sorts of farinaceous food for the baby . Abundant as their kindness was , the blessings and good wishes they heaped upon the emigrants were more abundant still ; the kind-hearted mother and her bonnie girls , kissing them at parting , with tears coursing down their rosy cheeks .

27373

16

Four o’clock P.M.

But vain are regrets . The inexorable spirit of progress points onward ; and the beings she chooses to be the parents of a new people , in a new land , must fulfil their destiny . On the 1st of July , 1832 , the Lyndsays embarked on board the brig _ Anne _ , to seek a new home beyond the Atlantic , and friends in a land of strangers . Four o'clock P.M. had been tolled from all the steeples in Edinburgh , when Flora stood upon the pier `` o ' Leith , '' watching the approach of the small boat which was to convey her on board the ugly black vessel which lay at anchor at the Berwick Law . It was a warm , close , hazy afternoon ; distant thunder muttered among the hills , and dense clouds floated around the mountain from base to summit , shrouding its rugged outline in a mysterious robe of mist . Ever and anon , as the electrical breeze sprang up and stirred these grey masses of vapour , they rolled up in black shadowy folds which took all sorts of Ossianic and phantom-like forms -- spirits of bards and warriors , looking from their grey clouds upon the land their songs had immortalised , or their valour saved . Parties of emigrants and their friends were gathered together in small picturesque groups on the pier .

27373

0

midnight before

If the Government sends you again , poking your long nose among my people , I 'll make a surgical case for you to examine at home at your leisure , I will . '' In order to divert his ill-humour , Flora inquired at what hour the ship sailed ? `` She must wait for that which never yet waited for mortal man -- wind and tide . It will be midnight before we get under weigh . '' Boreas always spoke in short sentences . He was a man of few words , rough , ready , and eccentrically blunt . Had his talents been proportioned to his obstinacy of will , he might have ruled over large communities , instead of acting the petty tyrant on the deck of his small craft .

27373

12

noon

I should despise myself , if I thought it possible that we could agree on any subject . '' If really convinced that he was wrong , he would show it by a slight diminution of his ferocious stubbornness ; but would never acknowledge it in words . If he gained even a doubtful advantage over an adversary , he rubbed his hands , clapped his knees , and chuckled and growled out his satisfaction , in a manner peculiarly his own . He was only tolerable as a companion after taking his third glass of brandy-and-water ; and as he commenced these humanizing doses by daybreak in the morning , repeating them at stated intervals during the four-and-twenty hours , by noon he became sociable and entertaining ; and would descend from his anti-meridian dignity , and condescend to laugh and chat in a dry humorous style , which , if it lacked refinement , was highly amusing . Though an inveterate imbiber of alcohol , he was never positively drunk during the whole voyage . The evil spirits seemed to make no impression upon the iron fibres of his stubborn brain and heart . He judged his morality by the toughness of his constitution , and congratulated himself on being a sober man , while he complained of his second mate , and stigmatised him as a drunken , worthless fellow , because one glass of punch made him intoxicated .

27374

16

ten minutes before five in the evening

At ten minutes before five in the evening the office doors of the Florida and Key West Railway Company flew open , and a young man emerged in a hurry . Suit-case in one hand , umbrella in the other , he sped along the corridor to the elevator-shaft , arriving in time to catch a glimpse of the lighted roof of the cage sliding into depths below . `` Down ! '' he shouted ; but the glimmering cage disappeared , descending until darkness enveloped it .

27374

0

midnight

They , also , were of the opinion that Munn 's object was to squeeze the club by threats . The second week in June , Peyster Sprowl , Master of Fox-hounds , Shadowbrook , appeared with his wife , the celebrated beauty , Agatha Sprowl , _ née _ Van Guilder . Sprowl , now immensely large and fat , had few cares in life beyond an anxious apprehension concerning the durability of his own digestion . However , he was still able to make a midnight mouthful of a Welsh rarebit on a hot mince-pie , and wash it down with a quart of champagne , and so the world went very well with him , even if it wabbled a trifle for his handsome wife . `` She 's lovely enough , '' said Colonel Hyssop , gallantly , `` to set every star in heaven wabbling . '' To which the bull-necked Major assented with an ever-hopeless attempt to bend at the waistband . Meanwhile the Rev. Amasa Munn and his flock , the Shining Band , arrived at Foxville in six farm wagons , singing `` Roll , Jordan ! ''

27374

12

noon

`` Yes , sir -- but -- '' `` Did you deliver my note to the fire-warden ? '' `` Yes , sir . The old man 's abed with miseries . He said he 'd send his deputy at noon . '' Burleson laid his gloved hand on his horse 's saddle , looking sharply at the keeper . `` They tell me that Mr. Elliott has seen better fortune , Rolfe . '' `` Yes , sir .

27374

12

noon

My horse loves me like a dog . I am very happy to believe it , Mr. Burleson . '' From the luminous shadow of her sombrero she looked out across the stretch of marsh , where from unseen pools the wild-duck were rising , disturbed by the sound of their approach . And now the snipe began to dart skyward from under their horses ' feet , filling the noon silence with their harsh `` squak ! squak ! '' `` It 's along here somewhere , '' said Burleson , leaning forward in his saddle to scan the swale-grass . A moment later he said , `` Look there , Miss Elliott ! ''

27374

11

About eleven o'clock

And I count on you to take out enough fox and mink pelts to pay me for my game -- and you yourselves for your labor ; for though it is my game by the law of the land , what is mine is no source of pleasure to me unless I share it . Let us work together to keep the streams and coverts and forests well stocked . Good-night . '' About eleven o'clock that evening Abe Storm slunk into the store , and the community rose and fell on him and administered the most terrific beating that a husky young man ever emerged from alive . In October the maple leaves fell , the white birches showered the hill-sides with crumpled gold , the ruffed grouse put on its downy stockings , the great hare 's flanks became patched with white . Cold was surely coming ; somewhere behind the blue north the Great White Winter stirred in its slumber . As yet , however , the oaks and beeches still wore their liveries of rustling amber , the short grass on hill-side pastures was intensely green , flocks of thistle-birds disguised in demure russet passed in wavering flight from thicket to thicket , and over all a hot sun blazed in a sky of sapphire , linking summer and autumn together in the magnificence of a perfect afternoon .

27374

0

midnight

A shadow fell across the shot riddled door snow-white in the moonshine . `` She 's here , '' said the game-warden , soberly . But McCloud had started talking and muttering to himself . Towards midnight the whippoorwill began a breathless calling from the garden . McCloud opened his eyes . `` Who is that ? '' he asked , irritably .

27374

12

noon

Presently the collie dog came and laid his head on her shoulder . The long drought ended with a cloud-burst in the western mountains , which tore a new slide down the flank of Lynx Peak and scarred the Gilded Dome from summit to base . Then storm followed storm , bursting through the mountain-notch and sweeping the river into the meadows , where the haycocks were already afloat , and the gaunt mountain cattle floundered bellowing . The stage from White Lake arrived at noon with the mail , and the driver walked into the post-office and slammed the soaking mail-sack on the floor . `` Gracious ! '' said the little postmistress . `` Yes 'm , '' said the stage-driver , irrelevantly ; `` them letters is wetter an ' I 'm madder 'n a swimmin ' shanghai !

27374

1

one o'clock

`` There must be a hole in the mail-pouch , '' said the postmistress , in gentle distress . There certainly was . The letters were soaked ; the wrappers on newspaper and parcel had become detached ; the interior of the government 's mail-pouch resembled the preliminary stages of a paper-pulp vat . But the postmistress worked so diligently among the débris that by one o'clock she had sorted and placed in separate numbered boxes every letter , newspaper , and parcel -- save one . That one was a letter directed to '' _ James Helm , Esq. _ '' _ Nauvoo _ , via _ White Lake _ . '' and it was so wet and the gum that sealed it was so nearly dissolved that the postmistress decided to place it between blotters , pile two volumes of government agricultural reports on it , and leave it until dry . One by one the population of Nauvoo came dripping into the post-office for the mail , then slopped out into the storm again , umbrellas couched in the teeth of the wind .

27374

3

three o'clock

Damnation ! '' And he trotted furiously into the engine-room . Darrow climbed to the wheel-house once more , fished out a pair of binoculars , and fixed them on the inlet and the strip of Atlantic beyond . `` If the _ Dione _ is n't in by three o'clock , Haltren will have his chance , '' he murmured . He was still inspecting the ocean and his watch alternately when Mrs. Haltren came on deck . `` Did you send me the canoe ? '' she asked , with cool unconcern .

27374

3

About three o'clock

Blue was the sky and water ; her eyes were bluer ; white as the sands her bare arms glimmered . Was it a sunbeam caught entangled in her burnished hair , or a stray strand , that burned far on the water . Darrow dropped his eyes ; and when again he looked , the canoe had vanished behind the rushes of Flyover Point , and there was nothing moving on the water far as the eye could see . * * * * * About three o'clock that afternoon , the pigeon-toed Seminole Indian who followed Haltren , as a silent , dangerous dog follows its master , laid down the heavy pink cedar log which he had brought to the fire , and stood perfectly silent , nose up , slitted eyes almost closed . Haltren 's glance was a question . `` Paddl ` um boat , '' said the Indian , sullenly . After a pause Haltren said , `` I do n't hear it , Tiger . ''

27377

12

noon before

She picked up her own bundle and followed the squaw and the Indian girl out through the woods and across a meadow where a few cattle were feeding . `` This must be Truro , '' Anne thought to herself as she trudged silently on beside her new friends . It grew very warm and there was no shade , and Anne began to feel tired , but neither Nakanit nor her mother seemed to notice the heat . It was past noon before they made any stop , and as Anne , who was some distance behind her companions , saw the squaw turn toward a little wooded hill and begin to lower the basket from her shoulders , she gave a long tired sigh of relief . Nakanit heard and turned toward her , and reached out her free hand to take Anne 's bundle . But Anne shook her head , and tightened her hold on it . This seemed to anger the Indian girl , and with a surly word she gave Anne a push , sending her over into a clump of wild rose bushes .

27377

0

midnight

Every wooded point or sloping field was plainly outlined in the clear water , and there was the pleasant fragrance of pine and bayberry mingled with the soft sea air . It was much pleasanter than journeying in the sun . The squaw and Nakanit began to sing , and although neither Anne nor Amos understood the words , they were both sure that the musical notes told of birds flying over moonlit water . It was midnight when the squaw turned the canoe toward shore . It proved to be the mouth of a small inlet up which they went for some distance , Amos keeping close behind . `` Look , Anne ! '' he exclaimed as the Indians stopped paddling .

27377

12

noon

`` How far shall we go to-day , father ? '' asked Rose . `` We will pass the night in Sandwich , if all goes well , '' replied Mr. Freeman . `` Your aunt has put us up a fine luncheon , and we will give Lady a rest toward noon and enjoy it . '' The sandy roads made it rather slow traveling , but Anne was as happy as a bird . They got many glimpses of the sea , and now and then some wild creature would run across the road , or peer at them from the shelter of the woods . Once or twice a partridge , with her brood of little ones , fled before them , and there was a great deal for them to see and enjoy .

27377

12

noon

Then he told them how Captain Sears had first made long shallow troughs and filled them with the sea-water , and the sun dried up the water , leaving the salt in the bottom of the vats . `` And now , '' continued Mr. Freeman , `` I hear he has had big kettles made , and with huge fires under them boils the water away and gets good salt in that fashion . We 'll stop and have a look , if time allows . '' Just before noon the sky began to grow dark , and there was a distant rumble of thunder . They were driving through a lonely stretch of country ; there was no house in sight , and Mr. Freeman began to watch the sky with anxious eyes . He knew that , on the bare sandy plain over which they were now traveling , the wind would sweep with great force , sufficient perhaps to overturn the chaise . Rose and Anne grew very quiet as they heard the thunder and watched the threatening sky .

27377

12

about noon

`` How long do you think we shall have to stay here ? '' whispered Anne , as the dreary fearful moments dragged by . `` I do n't know , dear , '' answered the elder girl , `` but we must n't be afraid . '' The hours went by and the little edge of light around the high shuttered window began to fade a little , and the girls knew that the long summer day was fading to twilight , and that it had been about noon when they came to the house . A great fear now took possession of Rose 's thoughts , the fear for her father 's safety . She was sure that unless some harm had befallen him he would have found them before this time . `` Rose ! ''

27377

12

noon

Your father will be proud of you , Anne , when I tell him the story . '' It made Anne very happy to have Mr. Freeman and Rose praise her , and she quite forgave the man who had pulled her from behind the bushes , and whose finger marks she could still feel on her arm . `` I hope it wo n't rain to-day , '' said Mr. Freeman . `` We ought to get to Sandwich by noon , and after Lady has rested , we 'll go on as far as we can . Lady seems as anxious to get to Boston as we do , '' for the big horse was traveling at a rapid pace , and going as if she enjoyed it . `` You shall go and see Faneuil Hall when you are in Boston , Anne , '' promised Rose , `` and Mr. Hancock 's fine house . It has terraces and stone steps , and the English officers would well like to take up their quarters there . ''

27377

12

midday

`` And , Anne , '' and Mrs. Pierce patted the little hand she was holding so closely , `` you tell your father that you have found another aunt , and that he must let you come and stay with me for a long long visit . '' Then good-byes were said , and they were again started on their journey . `` No stops this time -- except to ask for news of Lady -- until I reach my own house , '' declared Mr. Freeman . '' 'T is a good cool morning and we ought to get home by midday . '' `` Perhaps we shall find Lady , '' suggested Rose . But Mr. Freeman shook his head . `` I 'm afraid it will be a long time before we get any news of her , '' he said soberly .

27377

1

one o'clock

Well , every bell in Boston was ringing with triumph , and it did not take long to start a subscription and get money enough to put those fine bells where they could be heard . They were made by good English bell-makers , and there are none better , '' concluded Mr. Freeman . Anne thought to herself that she would be sure to remember about these wonderful bells so that she could tell Amanda . On the morning of the 18th of July people began to gather in King Street and the vicinity of the State House , so that long before one o'clock , the time advertised when the Declaration of Independence was to be read , there was a crowd . Mr. and Mrs. Freeman with Millicent , Frederick , Rose and Anne had a very good place where they could see the little balcony where Colonel Crafts was to stand . `` Look , father ! There are some of the British officers ! ''

27377

0

midnight

`` Good-bye , good-bye , dear Rose , '' Anne called back . As the sloop swung off from the wharf and the little girl looked back toward the friends who had been so kind to her there was a little mist in her eyes . `` It 's good luck indeed to have this favoring wind , '' said Captain Starkweather , as the boat moved swiftly down the harbor . `` I doubt not Amanda Cary is on the beach already hoping we may have sailed at midnight , '' and the Captain nodded smilingly toward Anne . `` What are you watching so sharply , John ? '' he asked , for Mr. Nelson , shading his eyes with one hand , was watching a small schooner . `` Why , I 'm wondering a bit about that schooner , '' he replied .

25283

4

the hour of four

We talked excitedly of the possibilities of such a wonderful and dangerous friendship . And as it turned out , none of our imaginings equalled what really happened . The afternoon passed quickly . As the hands of our alarm clock neared the hour of four we obliterated the traces of our sojourn on the bed as well as we could , and , when Mrs. Handsomebody entered , she found us sitting in a row on the three cane-bottomed chairs , on which we hung our clothes at night . The scolding she gave us was even longer and more humiliating to our manhood than usual . She shook her hard white finger near our faces and said that for very little she would write to our father and complain of our actions . `` Now , '' she said , in conclusion , `` give your faces and hands a thorough washing and comb your hair , which is disgraceful ; then come quietly down to tea . ''

25283

4

four o'clock

Firstly the shovel had been smuggled from the coal cellar and secreted in a corner of the yard behind the ash barrel together with an iron crowbar to use as a lever and an empty sack to aid in the removal of the treasure . I scarcely slept that night , and when I did my mind was filled with wild imaginings . The next morning we were heedless scholars indeed , and at dinner I ate so little that Mrs. Handsomebody was moved to remark jocularly that somebody not a thousand miles away was shaping for a bilious bout . At four o'clock Captain Pegg appeared at his window looking the picture of cheerful confidence . He said it warmed his heart to be at his old profession again , and indeed I never saw a merrier twinkle in any one 's eyes . He had found the plan of the yard sent by Jenks and he had no doubt that we should soon be in possession of the Spanish treasure . `` But there 's one thing , my lads ; '' he said solemnly , `` I make no claim whatever to any share in this booty .

25283

0

midnight

And even if they did n't locate it till I am dead , they 'd feel disgraced to think their father had been a pirate . You 'll have to take it . '' We agreed , therefore , to ease him of the responsibility of his strangely gotten gain . We then parted with the understanding that we were to meet him in the passage between the two houses promptly at midnight , and that in the meantime we were to preserve a calm and commonplace demeanour . With the addition of four crullers and a slab of cold bread pudding filched from the pantry , our preparations were now complete . We were well disciplined little animals ; we always went to bed without a murmur , but on this night we literally flew there . The Seraph ended his prayers with -- `` and for this piwate tweasure make us twuly thankful .

25283

7

half past seven

The Seraph ended his prayers with -- `` and for this piwate tweasure make us twuly thankful . Amen . '' The next moment we had dived under the bed clothes and snuggled there in wild expectancy . From half past seven to twelve is a long stretch . The Seraph slept peacefully . Angel or I rose every little while and struck a match to look at the clock . At nine we were so hungry that we ate all four crullers .

25283

11

ten minutes to twelve

`` The hour has come ! '' I knew that drastic measures must be taken with The Seraph , so I just grasped him under the armpits and stood him on his feet without a word . He wobbled for a space , digging his knuckles in his eyes . The hands of the clock pointed to ten minutes to twelve . Angel and I hastily pulled on our trousers ; and he , who liked to dress the part , stuck a knife in his belt , and twisted a scarlet silk handkerchief -LRB- borrowed from Mary Ellen -RRB- round his head . His dark eyes glistened under its folds . The Seraph and I went unadorned , save that he girt his trusty sword about his stout middle and I carried a toy bayonet .

25283

9

nine o'clock

Angel announced : `` First watch for me ! You go right to sleep , John , and I 'll wake you when the clock strikes ten . Then you 'll feel nice and fresh for your watch . '' But I was n't at all sleepy and we lay in the dusk and talked till the familiar harsh voice of the hall clock rasped out nine o'clock . `` You go to sleep , please John , '' whispered Angel in a drowsy voice , `` and I 'll watch till ten . '' I felt drowsy too , so I put my arm about the slumbering Seraph and soon fell fast asleep . It seemed to me but a moment when Angel roused me .

25283

0

midnight

We were allowed to have no finger in this portentous pie . Mr. Watlin , with some small assistance from Mary Ellen , engineered the thing himself . We were sent to bed at the usual hour , and played at burglars on , and under , the bed , to while away the intervening hours . It must have been almost midnight when our hearts were made to beat in our throats by such an uproar in the scullery , as seemed to cleave the darkness like a thunderbolt . Giftie appeared to be choking in her effort to unloose , all at once , a torrent of ferocious barks . A window shook , glass broke , a shutter slammed . Then followed a moment of awful silence before she settled down to a methodical yapping .

25283

10

about ten o'clock

We found next morning that Mrs. Handsomebody and Mary Ellen had never gone back to bed all night , but had kept watch in the dining-room till daylight , when Mary Ellen had been dispatched to find a policeman . He was in the kitchen now , a commanding figure , making notes in a little book ; and seeming to derive great benefit from his conversation with Mary Ellen . A new arrival was a wheeled-chair to convey Mrs. Handsomebody to 5 Argyle Road . Therefore , about ten o'clock , after the most exhausting preparations , we set out , a singular party ; Mrs. Handsomebody enthroned in the chair , mistress of herself -LRB- and every one else -RRB- her black-gloved hands crossed on her lap ; Mary Ellen , hot , straining over the wheeled-chair , lest her mistress get an unseemly bump at the crossing ; Angel and I , bearing between us a covered hamper containing the three pups ; while Giftie and The Seraph in the abandon of youth and ignorance , sported on the outskirts of the group . The way was long , and our arms ached with the weight of the hamper , when we stopped before the gate of Number 5 Argyle Road . It was an imposing house in its own grounds ; large clipped trees stood about ; and a bent old gardener was doing something to one of those , while a tall grey-haired woman in mannish tweeds superintended the work . A Scottish terrier , fit mate for Giftie , was digging furiously at the root of the tree .

25283

12

noon

`` But -- '' I asked , `` when shall I see you ? I dare n't come here again , I 'm afraid . '' `` Tomorrow is Saturday , '' he replied thoughtfully . `` The Bishop will keep to his study till noon -- '' `` And Mrs. Handsomebody goes to market ! '' I chimed in . `` Good . I 'll be at the Cathedral corner at ten o'clock .

25283

10

ten o'clock

`` The Bishop will keep to his study till noon -- '' `` And Mrs. Handsomebody goes to market ! '' I chimed in . `` Good . I 'll be at the Cathedral corner at ten o'clock . Meet me there . Now you 'd better cut home . '' He took my arm and led me down the strange winding stairway , through the cool damp passage where the grapevine grew , to the sunken doorstep .

25283

10

ten o'clock

And _ wear old clothes _ . '' The sails were filled , and he moved majestically away , towering above the small craft around him . It was morning . It was ten o'clock . It was May . We were all stowed away in the Bishop 's trap with his son , Harry , controlling the fat pony , whose small fore-hoof pawed impatiently on the asphalt . Angel and I had donned old jerseys and The Seraph a clean holland pinafore , against which he pressed an empty treacle tin where a solitary worm reared an anxious head against the encircling gloom .

25283

4

four o'clock

An it do seem a pity , too , since I have me new blue dress , for if ever I look lovely , I look lovely in blue . '' And she attacked the tea-leaves with a lagging broom . Mrs. Handsomebody , when dinner was over , fixed us with her cold grey eye , and said : `` Since you have proved yourselves utterly untrustworthy , you shall be locked in your bedroom , during my absence this afternoon . Mary Ellen , who will be engaged in cleaning the coal cellar , has been instructed to supply you with bread and milk at four o'clock . By exemplary behaviour today , you will ensure a return to your customary privileges tomorrow . '' The prison door was locked . The gaoler gone .

25283

7

seven in the morning

He was so tired that he clean forgot the little birds , and flung himself , face down , on his bed to rest . He did not wake until the next morning at seven . It was so dark that he had to strike a light to see the face of his watch . Now he knew that it should not be dark at either seven in the morning or seven at night ; and he felt very strange . The room was full of the unclean smells of his chemicals , and he groped his way to the window to get air . But the outdoor air was murky and he saw that a heavy cloud had settled just above the chimney pots . This cloud seemed to palpitate , as though made of a million beating wings .

25283

10

ten o'clock

`` Eat it instantly , sir . '' `` I ca n't , '' I repeated , beginning to blubber , `` I want to see father ! '' `` Eat your porridge and you shall see him . He will be here at ten o'clock . Silence , now , no uproar . My nerves are under quite enough strain . '' She poured herself fresh tea , and continued : `` There will be no tasks today .

270

6

six o'clock

It 's got every beast in the world , and all of 'em coloured ; and we 'll try and find YOUR beast in it ! '' We were always ready for tea at any time , and especially when combined with beasts . There was marmalade , too , and apricot-jam , brought in expressly for us ; and afterwards the beast-book was spread out , and , as the man had truly said , it contained every sort of beast that had ever been in the world . The striking of six o'clock set the more prudent Charlotte nudging me , and we recalled ourselves with an effort from Beast-land , and reluctantly stood up to go . `` Here , I 'm coming along with you , '' said the circus-man . `` I want another pipe , and a walk 'll do me good . You need n't talk to me unless you like . ''

270

9

nine o'clock

The shepherd was formally introduced and many compliments and kind inquiries were exchanged . His wife , however , though expressing her willingness to do anything she could -- to mend things , or set the cave to rights , or cook a little something when the dragon had been poring over sonnets and forgotten his meals , as male things WILL do , could not be brought to recognize him formally . The fact that he was a dragon and `` they did n't know who he was '' seemed to count for everything with her . She made no objection , however , to her little son spending his evenings with the dragon quietly , so long as he was home by nine o'clock : and many a pleasant night they had , sitting on the sward , while the dragon told stories of old , old times , when dragons were quite plentiful and the world was a livelier place than it is now , and life was full of thrills and jumps and surprises . What the Boy had feared , however , soon came to pass . The most modest and retiring dragon in the world , if he 's as big as four cart-horses and covered with blue scales , can not keep altogether out of the public view . And so in the village tavern of nights the fact that a real live dragon sat brooding in the cave on the Downs was naturally a subject for talk .

271

4

four o'clock

It was now early in April , and the family was expected home some time in May . The light brougham was to be fresh done up , and as Colonel Blantyre was obliged to return to his regiment it was arranged that Smith should drive him to the town in it , and ride back ; for this purpose he took the saddle with him , and I was chosen for the journey . At the station the colonel put some money into Smith 's hand and bid him good-by , saying , `` Take care of your young mistress , Reuben , and do n't let Black Auster be hacked about by any random young prig that wants to ride him -- keep him for the lady . '' We left the carriage at the maker 's , and Smith rode me to the White Lion , and ordered the hostler to feed me well , and have me ready for him at four o'clock . A nail in one of my front shoes had started as I came along , but the hostler did not notice it till just about four o'clock . Smith did not come into the yard till five , and then he said he should not leave till six , as he had met with some old friends . The man then told him of the nail , and asked if he should have the shoe looked to .

271

4

about four o'clock

The light brougham was to be fresh done up , and as Colonel Blantyre was obliged to return to his regiment it was arranged that Smith should drive him to the town in it , and ride back ; for this purpose he took the saddle with him , and I was chosen for the journey . At the station the colonel put some money into Smith 's hand and bid him good-by , saying , `` Take care of your young mistress , Reuben , and do n't let Black Auster be hacked about by any random young prig that wants to ride him -- keep him for the lady . '' We left the carriage at the maker 's , and Smith rode me to the White Lion , and ordered the hostler to feed me well , and have me ready for him at four o'clock . A nail in one of my front shoes had started as I came along , but the hostler did not notice it till just about four o'clock . Smith did not come into the yard till five , and then he said he should not leave till six , as he had met with some old friends . The man then told him of the nail , and asked if he should have the shoe looked to . `` No , '' said Smith , `` that will be all right till we get home . ''

271

9

nearly nine o'clock before

The man then told him of the nail , and asked if he should have the shoe looked to . `` No , '' said Smith , `` that will be all right till we get home . '' He spoke in a very loud , offhand way , and I thought it very unlike him not to see about the shoe , as he was generally wonderfully particular about loose nails in our shoes . He did not come at six nor seven , nor eight , and it was nearly nine o'clock before he called for me , and then it was with a loud , rough voice . He seemed in a very bad temper , and abused the hostler , though I could not tell what for . The landlord stood at the door and said , `` Have a care , Mr. Smith ! '' but he answered angrily with an oath ; and almost before he was out of the town he began to gallop , frequently giving me a sharp cut with his whip , though I was going at full speed .