three o'clock
`` Oh , '' said Rutherford , `` now I understand ; I 've wondered what you ladies were so mysterious about all day ; you 've been holding secret sessions and making cabalistical signs to each other all the afternoon . Well , as this picnic is partly on my account , I 'm sure I feel flattered and shall be delighted to attend . Houston , old boy , when can we look for you ? '' `` I think , considering the importance of the occasion , I can be ready to join you at three o'clock , '' replied Houston , while the ladies expressed their approval . `` There seems to have been a great deal of mysterious consultation about this affair , '' remarked Rutherford , `` what is the program for to-morrow ? '' `` Well , '' said Miss Gladden , `` for one thing , we must have plenty of music ; have neither of you gentlemen any musical instruments with you ? '' `` Not I , '' replied Houston , while Rutherford answered , laughing , `` I have a banjo that I brought along to amuse myself with in case I got lonesome , but I 've had no use for it so far , I 've had such good company here . ''