eight o'clock
It would be quite too bad if , after all their plans , the Piper should fail them . Trooper was for going after the missing musician , but Duke counselled patience . He fancied he saw a figure on the hill now and any moment they might hear the pipes . But eight o'clock came , the group of watchers on the hill moved inside , and the strains of a hymn came through the open door and windows of the Methodist church . There was no hope of catching any stray sheep in the Piper 's net now ! Tremendous K. came rushing out of the hall declaring that they could not wait any longer , the boys were beginning to stamp and yell for the programme , and Dr. McGarry was as mad as a wet hen . Then Dr. McGarry , who was chairman , came right on his heels , his watch in his hand , demanding what in common sense and thunder they meant by holding up the meeting this way .