half past seven
We ate our dinner at six ; and then Mr. Phillips suggested that we should all join in family prayers . We might never have another opportunity to do so , he said . He prayed long and earnestly to God to save the world and protect his dear ones ; and we all joined fervently in his supplications to the throne of grace . At half past seven , equipped for the journey , we were all upon the roof , looking out in the direction of the west for the coming of the Demon . A little before eight we saw it rise through the twilight above the armory . Quincy , then , was true to his pledge . It came rapidly toward us , high in the air ; it circled around , and at last began to descend just over our heads .