five minutes past eight
Across the end was the platform , and immediately above the platform table hung a large brass lamp which could be lowered by a chain that ran along the ceiling and down the adjoining wall . Around the main walls and between the windows were smaller lamps in wire brackets , which burned with a steady , yellow light , and occasionally gave off a thin trickle of smoke that filled the room with the sharp odor of soot . On the platform sat Clark and Filmer on either side of the table , and on the table stood an enormous jug of water and one glass . At five minutes past eight the hall was crowded . Manson was there , sitting in the front row , and leaning forward on his heavy oak stick which seemed a very bludgeon of authority . Beside him sat his wife , small , slight and gentle , the very antithesis of her dark and formidable husband . Manson 's eyes roved from Filmer to Clark and back again to Filmer , but the two looked over his head and seemed no whit disconcerted .