six o'clock in the
morning
Lemuel got a conductor 's overcoat and cap at half-price from a man who had been discharged , and put by the money saved to return to Sewell when he should come . He entered upon his duties the next morning , under the instruction of an old conductor , who said , `` Hai n't I seen you som ` ere 's before ? '' and he worked all day , taking money and tickets , registering fares , helping ladies on and off the car , and monotonously journeying back and forth over his route . He went on duty at six o'clock in the morning , after an early breakfast that ` Manda Grier and his mother got him , for Statira was not strong enough yet to do much , and he was to be relieved at eight . At nightfall , after two half-hour respites for dinner and tea , he was so tired that he could scarcely stand . `` Well , how do you like it , as fur 's you 've gone ? '' asked the instructing conductor , in whom Lemuel had recognised an old acquaintance .