four o'clock
And he proceeded to pull out a large silver watch from a side pocket . It was so large that he seldom was at the pains to pull it out , as it took time ; but when he had succeeded at last , and looked at it , he started . `` Late , indeed ! It is four o'clock , and we were to have been here by eleven ; they have given you up . '' The little boys wanted to force in the door ; but Hiram said it was no use , -- they would n't understand what to do , and he should have to see to the horses , -- and it was too late , and it was likely they had carried off all the syrup . But he thought a minute , as they all stood in silence and gloom ; and then he guessed they might find some sugar at Deacon Spear 's , close by , on the back road , and that would be better than nothing . Mrs. Peterkin was pretty cold , and glad not to wait in the darkening wood ; so the eight little boys walked through the wood-path , Hiram leading the way ; and slowly the carry-all followed .