three o'clock
just promise that you wo n't cross the back terrace until after the Fourth , '' pleaded Gem . `` It will be twice the fun for you , too , if you do n't know anything about it beforehand . '' After some delay the two conspirators wrenched the required promise from their cousin , who pretended to be deeply curious about the plot , and heroically unselfish in abandoning his designs upon it . At three o'clock the meeting was held under the elm-tree on the terrace ; the B. B. 's reinforced to the number of twelve were there , and Tom and Gem did the honors with cordial hospitality . Many plans were brought forward for the consideration of the patriots , but objections were found to one and all ; at length Gem disappeared and after a long delay , returned carrying some books under her arm . `` I have thought of something , '' she said , taking a seat under the tree ; `` we will have the battle of Bunker Hill and the life of General Israel Putnam . '' The word `` battle '' stimulated the B. B. 's , who were lying about on the grass , worn out with their efforts to arrange a programme .