ten o'clock
`` I 'll be glad to go , '' answered the senator 's son . `` I have n't had a ride in a cutter this winter . '' They were soon on the way , Dave this time driving a black horse that could not only cover the ground well , but was thoroughly reliable . By ten o'clock they found themselves in Coburntown , and made their way to the establishment run by Asa Dickley . The proprietor of the store was busy with a customer at the time , and a clerk came forward to wait on the new arrivals . `` I wish to speak to Mr. Dickley , '' said Dave ; and he and Roger waited until the man was at leisure . Mr. Dickley looked anything but pleasant as he walked up to our hero .