nine o'clock
In grim silence he ate his breakfast , except for a sharp rebuke to Billy Jack , who had been laboring throughout the meal to make cheerful conversation with Jessac and his mother . At his father 's rebuke Billy Jack dropped his cheerful tone , and avoiding his mother 's eyes , he assumed at once an attitude of open defiance , his tones and words plainly offering to his father war , if war he would have . `` You will come to me in the room after breakfast , '' said his father , as Thomas rose to go to the stable . `` There 's a meeting of the trustees at nine o'clock at the school-house at which Thomas must be present , '' interposed Billy Jack , in firm , steady tones . `` He may go when I have done with him , '' said his father , angrily , `` and meantime you will attend to your own business . '' `` Yes , sir , I will that ! '' Billy Jack 's response came back with fierce promptness .