nearly
twelve o'clock
Mr. Butterfield sank back in his seat with an expression on his face that seemed to say , `` I 've done the town some service to-day . '' The Moderator then rose and said , `` Fellow-citizens , all the business matters upon the warrant have now been disposed of . We will now proceed to the election of town officers for the ensuing year . '' Mr. Stackpole rose and called out , `` Mister Moderator , it is now nearly twelve o'clock , and some of us had to leave home quite early this morning in order to be in time at the meeting . I move that we adjourn till one o'clock , at which time balloting for town officers usually commences . '' Forty voices cried out , `` Second the motion , '' and although Strout , Stiles , and several others jumped to their feet and endeavored to secure the Moderator 's eye , the motion was adopted by an overwhelming vote , and the greater portion of the members made their way out of the hall and directed their steps towards the Eagle Hotel , as if the whole matter had been prearranged . Here , Mr. Parsons , the proprietor , had set out a most tempting lunch in the large dining-room , and those who were able to give the password were admitted to the room , and feasted to their heart 's content .