Six o'clock
As he was often second hand at the hay-weighing , or at the crane which lifted the sacks , or was one of those who had to accompany the waggons into the country to fetch away stacks that had been purchased , this affliction of Abel 's was productive of much inconvenience . For two mornings in the present week he had kept the others waiting nearly an hour ; hence Henchard 's threat . It now remained to be seen what would happen to-morrow . Six o'clock struck , and there was no Whittle . At half-past six Henchard entered the yard ; the waggon was horsed that Abel was to accompany ; and the other man had been waiting twenty minutes . Then Henchard swore , and Whittle coming up breathless at that instant , the corn-factor turned on him , and declared with an oath that this was the last time ; that if he were behind once more , by God , he would come and drag him out o ' bed . `` There is sommit wrong in my make , your worshipful ! ''