nine o'clock
`` They used to say that he was a wizard . I will tell you all about him some day . Let us listen now to your father 's violin . '' The house was still , save that the sea winds stirred the crisp autumn leaves in the great trees near and the nine o'clock bell fell solemnly on the air . A watchman went by , saying , `` All is well ! '' Yes , all is well in hearts like these -- hearts that can pity , love , forbear , and feel . AS barren as was the early Puritan town in things that please the fancy of the child , Josiah Franklin 's home was a cheerful one .