ten o'clock
Now and then a limb snapped in the fierce struggle , and fell to the ground with a loud crackling noise . `` I hope there will be enough of a roof left over our heads to shelter us , '' said Mrs. Sherman , as bricks from the chimney tops began rolling down the roof and falling to the ground below with heavy thuds . `` We expected to start home about this time , '' Miss Allison was saying . `` We ordered the wagonettes to come back for us at ten o'clock , but it looks now as if we are storm-bound for the night . Did you ever hear such a downpour ? '' `` It 's the clatter of the rain on the tin roof of the porch , '' answered Mrs. Sherman , speaking at the top of her voice in order to be heard above the deafening din of the rain and wind . For nearly half an hour they sat waiting for the storm to pass .