half after eight
`` Of course not ! '' agreed O'Dwyer , and surreptitiously glanced at his watch . He redoubled his efforts to be the good fellow , and apparently coincided with Moore 's views on politics . The clock in the court house struck half after eight . The convention was called to order , and Mrs. Latimer , thrilling with the sense of unknown possibilities , sat in the crowded gallery , and settled expectantly to the excitement of the balloting . Strong and spicy speeches were anticipated . Silver Bow , notoriously the hotbed of political agitation in the State , possessed in Mr. Moore a star speaker .