Five o'clock
Simultaneously came a hail from over the side . `` The launch is ready , Mr. Farnam . '' Too full of words and rage to speak , Mr. Farnam cast one utterly condemning glance at his niece and , turning , ran swiftly down the ladder . Five o'clock robed down from the sun and plumped soundlessly into the sea . The golden collar widened into a glittering island ; and a faint breeze that had been playing with the edges of the awning and swaying one of the dangling blue slippers became suddenly freighted with song . It was a chorus of men in close harmony and in perfect rhythm to an accompanying sound of oars dealing the blue writers . Ardita lifted her head and listened .