nearly two o'clock
Chilvers danced a clog-step to the delight of the grinning trainmen , Carter removed his monocle and polished it innumerable times , Miss Harding laughed and cried by turns , Mr. Harding dug cigars from pockets which seemed inexhaustible , and gave them to the railroad men , and I furiously smoked a pipe and put in a word whenever I had a chance . It was an informal and glorious reunion . The wires were working to Woodvale , communication having been made while we stood there , and the conductor was honoured that he had the privilege to hold the train while the famous Robert L. Harding sent a reassuring telegram to his wife . It was nearly two o'clock when we arrived in Woodvale . I asked Mr. Harding how near the tornado came to the Oak Cliff club house . `` Smith , '' he said , laying his hand on my arm , `` it passed so close that I could have driven a golf ball into it , and I was tempted to try . That 's the best chance I 'll have to get a long carry . ''