nine o'clock
Williams was on hand , and as a result Rita had no words for any one . There was no glorious fireplace in the room , and consequently no cosey ciphering log . In its place was an iron stove , which , according to Rita , made the atmosphere `` stuffy . '' Toward nine o'clock Mr. and Mrs. Bays retired , and the `` sitting-out '' tournament began . The most courteous politeness was assumed by the belligerent forces , in accordance with established custom in all tournaments . The great clock in the corner struck ten , eleven , and twelve o'clock . Still the champions were as fresh as they had been at nine .