ten o'clock
After a considerable amount of jabbering and talking , it was agreed that the task could be accomplished . The sun was hot , and the gentlemen must not be very particular about the ironing . While one half of the damsels set to work again in the stream , the rest , headed by the mistress , began to hang up the washed articles , a young girl being despatched apparently for further assistance . This looked like being in earnest , and the dame assured Norris that the things should be ready by ten o'clock . How to spend the intermediate time was the question , and a ramble into the country was agreed on . Had they been wise they would have secured some mules or donkeys to convey the clothes to the beach . They had , however , undertaken to carry the bags themselves , and were resolved heroically to persevere .