seven o’clock
It was nine o'clock . A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero ; but the still air was keen and stimulating , and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky . We had swallowed some breakfast , though I believe no one had manifested an appetite , and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible . Stoddard , who had been to the chapel for his usual seven o'clock service , was deep in the pocket Greek testament he always carried . Bates ran in to report a summons at the outer wall , and Larry and I went together to answer it , sending Bates to keep watch toward the lake . Our friend the sheriff , with a deputy , was outside in a buggy . He stood up and talked to us over the wall .