six o'clock
Hattie did not look at him , but after a while she shouted in his ear , above the outcry of the surf , -- `` Here , pa , take my handkerchief . I do n't know how 't is about you , but this spray gets in my eyes . '' Eli took it obediently , but he did not speak ; he only looked at the sea . The two sat there , chilled and quite content , until six o'clock , when Mrs. Pike came calling to them from the beach , with dramatic shouts , emphasized by the waving of her ample apron , -- `` Supper 's ready ! Sereno 's built a bum-fire , an ' I 've made some tea ! '' Then they slowly made their way back to the tents , and sat down to the evening meal . Sereno seemed content , and Mrs. Pike was bustling and triumphant ; the familiar act of preparing food had given her the feeling of home .