a quarter to eight
If he failed now , he failed in everything -- all that he had done before has gone for nothing ! Ah ! if only one had a voice that could reach the whole world -- that could shout these things into the ears of the oppressed ! His friends had said they would come at a quarter to eight . But they came at half past seven , and sat round and waited . It was thought best that they should not arrive until the precise minute of the meeting ; and meantime they outlined to Samuel the plan of campaign they had formed . Dr. Barton was to make the opening speech , introducing Samuel ; and by way of outwitting the police , he was to be particularly careful to get into this `` introduction '' all the essential facts which it was desired to lay before the people .