nearly ten
o'clock before
The tourists ' train was scheduled to leave Denver at eleven-thirty that night , so that there was ample time after the game for a leisurely meal and a few hours for recreation for any of the party that felt so inclined . Some went to the theater , others played cards , while others sat about the lobby of the leading hotel and discussed the exciting events of the afternoon 's game . As for Joe and Jim , their recreation took the form of long letters to two charming young ladies whose address , by coincidence , happened to be Riverside . Both seemed to have much to write about , for it was nearly ten o'clock before the bulky letters were ready for mailing . `` Give them to me and I 'll take them down to the hotel lobby and mail them , '' said Jim , as they rose from the writing table . `` I do n't know , '' replied Joe , as he looked at his watch . `` Perhaps the last collection for the outgoing eastbound mail has already been made .