eight o'clock
The scoundrel may be thus easily _ kept off _ the poll-books , whom it may cost you a thousand pounds hereafter to attempt to remove , in vain . '' The day was bright and frosty ; and long before eight o'clock the little town was all alive with music , flags , cheering , and crowds passing to and fro . The polling-booth was exceedingly commodious and well constructed , with a view to the most rapid access and departure of the voters . By eight o'clock there were more than a couple of thousand persons collected before the booth ; and -- significant evidence of the transient nature of yesterday 's excitement ! -- the yellow colors appeared as five to one . Just before eight o'clock , up drove Mr. Titmouse , in a dog-cart , from which he jumped out amid the cheers of almost all present , and skipped on to the bench behind his own check-clerk , with the intention of remaining there all day to acknowledge the votes given for him ! But Mr. Delamere , with a just delicacy and pride , avoided making his appearance either at or near the booth , at all events till the voting was over .