ten o'clock
Jo enjoyed her ride and the opportunity to see what had been accomplished . Returning , however , the complete enjoyment of the trip was marred by tire trouble , and , with one thing and another , it was nine o'clock at night before the party , reached Ragtown . They were ravenously hungry , and Tweet invited the three to dinner in the town 's closest approach to a satisfactory restaurant . It was after ten o'clock when they left the table . Tweet gallantly asked to accompany Jo to her cabin , and both were laughing at the absurdity of a girl like Jerkline Jo needing an escort , when Hiram Hooker hurried up to them . `` Well , I c 'n see who 's cut out , '' said Tweet , assuming a mournful expression . `` So , if you do n't mind , Jo , I 'll get over to the hotel and keep after those two suckers .