Half past eleven
After breakfast on the morning of the first of July , Orcutt and Cameron repaired to the cabin where , with the rough pine table littered with maps , they discussed the terms and conditions of the contract of sale . While Wentworth , palpably nervous , paced the clearing ; his eyes were upon the trails that led into the forest , and out upon the lake , for a sign of a canoe from the southward . When at last the pros and cons had all been threshed over , clauses inserted , and clauses struck out , Orcutt drew from his pocket a heavy gold watch , and snapping it open , detached it from its chain and laid it upon the table between them . `` Half past eleven , '' he announced . `` I suppose you insist upon waiting until the uttermost minute ticks to its close . '' `` Yes , '' answered Cameron . `` McNabb 's options hold good until twelve o'clock . ''