eight o'clock
But in the hallway above they paused to fall in , and at the word of command from Mr. Curtis they marched through the double doors into the brightly lighted assembly-room , wheeled smartly to the right , and took up their position at one side of the doorway . The hall was already well filled and resounded with the buzz of conversation . Pretty girls in Red Cross costumes flitted among the audience seeking contributions and memberships . By eight o'clock the rows of chairs that packed over half the big room were occupied , and there were people standing . When the doors were finally closed and the entertainment began , the place was almost uncomfortably jammed by a throng of proud mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters of the performers , to say nothing of a great many other members of the community who were interested in the movement or curious to see the result of the past year 's work . The first thing on the program was a review and inspection of the entire scout body by Captain Chalmers , who had unexpectedly obtained leave of absence for the occasion . When this was over , there followed a brief pause , during which the captain , standing before the long , double row of boyish figures , in their trim , immaculate uniforms , conferred in whispers with Scoutmaster Curtis , whom he had summoned from the line .