five in
the afternoon
asked Principal Alleman . `` Some of my pupils seem to think so , but those who depend least upon the teacher and act most fully up to what they have been taught are the ones I call my best scholars . '' Deacon Bates 's lower lip pushed up its neighbor ; in the school-room , the Principal 's theory might apply , but in religion it was different , or he -LRB- Deacon Bates -RRB- had always been mistaken , and this possibility was not to be thought of for an instant . Fortunately for his peace of mind , the boat touched her city dock just then , and from that hour until five in the afternoon , when he left his store for the boat , religious theories absented themselves entirely from Deacon Bates 's mind . The last meeting of the class was still the most popular subject of conversation among the members , however , and interest of such a degree could not help be contagious . Other residents of Valley Rest , overhearing some of the chats between the members , expressed a desire to listen to the discussions of the class , and to all was extended a hearty welcome , without regard to race , color , or previous condition of religious servitude , and all were invited to be doers as well as hearers . So at the next session appeared ex-Judge Cottaway , who had written a book and was a vestryman of St. Amos Parish ; Broker Whilcher , who worshiped with the Unitarians , but found them rather narrow , and Broker Whilcher 's bookkeeper , who read Herbert Spencer , and could not tell what he himself believed , even if to escape the penalty of death .