nine o'clock in the morning
`` Mr. Harris you are right , '' shouted several of the by-standers . But Hugh Searles did not reply . Possibly because it was late or , it may be , he did not wish to further antagonize Colonel Harris with whom he hoped in the morning to drive a good bargain , and it may be that he hoped some time in America to operate mills himself and make money under a protective tariff . Both Searles and Harris retired for the night with an agreement to meet at nine o'clock in the morning and talk over business . Searles rose with the sun , and after eggs , bacon , and tea , he walked to the Battery and back , before nine , the appointed hour for his first business conference with Reuben Harris . A good sleep had refreshed Colonel Harris and at breakfast he appeared in a joking mood . While he smoked , he glanced at the _ Tribune _ and again examined Searles 's letter of introduction from Messrs. Guerney & Barring .