four o'clock
He would not deny that McLean was in trouble , -- in grave trouble , -- but there was nothing tangible as yet . Nothing was to be said or done until -- well , until he was much better and able to be about . Friday afternoon came , warm , sunshiny , and delightful . At four o'clock the doctor 's carriage -- an open , easy , old-fashioned-looking affair -- rolled out of the garrison with Nellie Bayard and Jeannie Bruce smiling on the back seat , while Bayard himself handled the reins . There was a vacant place beside him , and , just as he possibly expected , Miss Forrest came out on the gallery and waved her hand and smiled cordial greeting to the two girls . Instantly he reined in his eager horses , almost bringing them upon their haunches , and called up to her : `` This is the best piece of luck that has befallen me since I came to Laramie . I 've caught you when you could not be engaged .