five o'clock
A long pause ; Hiram seemed slowly to relax and collapse like a man stretched on the rack , who ceases to suffer either because the torture is ended or because his nerves mercifully refuse to register any more pain . `` That is all , '' he said wearily . Torrey wiped his glasses , put them on , wiped them again , hung them on the hook attached to the lapel of his waistcoat , put them on , studied the paper , then said hesitatingly : `` As one of your oldest friends , Hiram , and in view of the surprising nature of the -- the -- '' `` I do not wish to discuss it , '' interrupted Hiram , with that gruff finality of manner which he always used to hide his softness , and which deceived everyone , often even his wife . `` Come back at five o'clock with two witnesses . '' Torrey rose , his body shifting with his shifting mind as he cast about for an excuse for lingering . `` Very well , Hiram , '' he finally said . As he shook hands , he blurted out huskily , `` The boy 's a fine young fellow , Hi .