six o'clock
Master Provy Smith had started out that eventful morning with the intention of fighting Master Jackson Tribbs for the `` Kingship '' of Table Ridge -- a trifling territory of ten leagues square -- Tribbs having infringed on his boundaries and claimed absolute sovereignty over the whole mountain range . Julian Fleming was present as referee and bottle-holder . The battle ground selected was the highest part of the ridge . The hour was six o'clock , which would allow them time to reach school before its opening , with all traces of their conflict removed . The air was crisp and cold , -- a trifle colder than usual , -- and there was a singular thickening of the sun 's rays on the ridge , which made the distant peaks indistinct and ghostlike . However , the two combatants stripped `` to the buff , '' and Fleming patronizingly took position at the `` corner , '' leaning upon a rifle , which , by reason of his superior years , and the wilderness he was obliged to traverse in going to school , his father had lent him to carry . It was that day a providential weapon .