nine o'clock in the
morning
The coroner complimented Taffy warmly and promised to refer the case to the Royal Humane Society for public recognition . The jury nodded , and one or two said `` Hear , hear ! '' Taffy hoped fervently he would do nothing of the sort . The funeral took place on the fourth day , at nine o'clock in the morning . Such -- in the day I write of -- was the custom of the country . Friends who lived at a distance rose and shaved by candle-light , and daybreak found them horsed and well on their way to the house of mourning , their errand announced by the long black streamers tied about their hats . The sad business over and done with , these guests returned to the house , where until noon a mighty breakfast lasted and all were welcome .