four o'clock
The Birmingham decorator had pledged himself to deliver them early at Preston Bagot , and Mr. Gavel knew him for a man of his word . He had made arrangements for their prompt conveyance to the field . He did not doubt , but he was undeniably anxious . Imagine , then , his feelings when at four o'clock or a little later a wagon -- the wagon of his hiring -- rolled into the enclosure bringing one horse only , and in place of the others a pile of tent-cloths and theatrical boxes , on which sat and smiled Mr. and Mrs. Mortimer , his professional rivals . He had been drinking ginger-ale all day , and in copious draughts . It must be confessed that he lost his temper woefully , and so vociferously that Sir Elphinstone this time descended from the platform , and strode across the meadow to demand what the devil he meant by it . Nor was even this the last drop in the cup of Mr. Gavel 's bitterness ; for the baronet , struck by Mr. Mortimer 's appearance and genteel address , at once invited him to set up his tent and save the situation so desperately compromised .