two o'clock
The weather was uncertain -- it might rain , but there were cobwebs on the grass , which meant `` clear . '' But the sun did not come out , and it was past noon . These unfavorable conditions were unusual on a day when the motor girls were to make a run , but Bess , Belle and Cora were almost too busy with their preparations to pay much heed to the possibility of rain while en route . The start was to be made at two o'clock , and the chimes on the dining room mantel of the Kimball home had just warned Cora that half the hour between one and two had gone by . `` We take no note of time but from its flight , '' quoted Cora to herself , hurrying through the room to crowd a last few things into her motor trunk . `` I wonder where Jack is ? '' At that very moment Jack 's inevitable whistle was heard , and the next , the boy was in the room , looking as deliciously lazy as ever , in that way so peculiar to boys who have a great deal to do at the time ; the science of which studied indifference is absolutely impossible for a girl to fathom .