four o'clock
That is what he is paid for and that he must do at all hazards and at any cost , even to chartering a special train , the price devouring his fee . Once in my seat an account of stock was taken -- two bags , an umbrella , overcoat , two gum shoes -LRB- one off , one on -RRB- , manuscript of lecture in bag , eye-glasses in outside pocket of waistcoat . This over , I spread myself upon the cane seat and took in the situation . It was four o'clock -LRB- the lecture was at eight -RRB- ; Sheffield was two hours away ; this would give time to change my dress and get something to eat . The committee , moreover , were to meet me at the depot with a carriage and drive me to where I was `` to spend the night and dine '' -- so the chairman 's letter read . The suppressed smile on the second conductor 's face when he punched my ticket and read the name of `` Sheffield '' sent my hand into my pocket in search of this same letter . Yes -- there was no mistake about it , -- `` Our carriage , '' it read , `` will meet you , '' etc. , etc. .