three o'clock
It began -- `` Whereas in the bounty of providence the earth putteth forth her luscious fruits and her vineyards for the delight and enjoyment of mankind -- '' It made you thirsty just to read it . Any man who read that petition over was wild to get to the Rats ' Cooler . When it was all signed up they had nearly three thousand names on it . Then Nivens , the lawyer , and Mr. Gingham -LRB- as a provincial official -RRB- took it down to the county town , and by three o'clock that afternoon the news had gone out from the long distance telephone office that Smith 's license was renewed for three years . Rejoicings ! Well , I should think so ! Everybody was down wanting to shake hands with Mr. Smith .