four o'clock
`` And , Allen , '' begged Betty , reining her horse close to Allen and laying a timid hand on his arm , `` you wo n't even whisper a word of what we 've told you -- not for your foolish old law , or anything else ? '' `` Of course not , '' said Allen , smiling at her . `` We have to give the poor fellow his chance . '' That very afternoon Allen composed a letter to Paul Loup 's concert manager -- advised and censored by the girls , of course -- and they all rode off to town to mail it in time to catch the four o'clock outgoing mail . `` Now , '' said Mollie , as , this duty well performed , they started back to the ranch , `` I feel better . We 've started something , anyway . '' `` Let 's hope that we can finish it , '' added Grace , dubiously .