Four o'clock
Everybody in the street would know him , I thought , and everybody would see him enter my store and comprehend his business . Half-past three arrived , and yet I had not been bearded by the dread monster , at whose very name thousands have trembled and do still tremble . I sat awaiting him in stern silence . Four o'clock , and yet he had not come . Perhaps , it was suggested to me , the holders of the note had withdrawn it at the last moment . Cheering thought ! Just then I saw a lad enter the store and speak to one of the clerks , who pointed back to where I sat .