twelve o'clock
`` I guess it must be some outside feller that is a-going to buy it then , '' said the Deacon , `` for I do n't believe there is a man in Eastborough that would put up five thousand dollars in cold cash for that grocery store , unless he considered that he was paying for something besides groceries when he bought it . '' `` Well , I do n't think , Deacon , '' continued Quincy , `` that we need go further into particulars ; I think we understand each other ; all is , you come up to the auction this afternoon , and if the place is knocked down to Strout I will let you have the five hundred dollars that I have here in my pocket ; besides , it would have been poor business policy for you to let him have the money on that note before the sale ; for if the store was not sold to him you could not get back your money until the note became due . '' `` That 's so , '' assented the Deacon . `` Well , I 've got to get home , cuz I promised to meet him by twelve o'clock . '' `` So have I , '' said Quincy , `` for I have got to see the man who is going to buy the grocery store and fix up a few business matters with him . '' Both men left the bank and got into their respective teams , which were standing in front of the building . `` Which road are you going , Deacon ? ''