twelve o'clock
I ask you to remove my name from your church roll that in future my actions shall not be your responsibility ! '' With that he gave one lingering tender look toward the minister , pressed hard the hairy hand of the old Scotch elder , and went out of the room before anyone realized he was going . Billy , with a gasp , and a look after his beloved idol , hesitated , then pulled himself together and made a dash into the session room , like a catapult landing straight in the spot where Mark had stood , but ignoring all the rest he looked up at the minister and spoke rapidly : `` Mr. Severn , please sir . Mark was with me last night from twelve o'clock on . Me an ' him passed the Pleasant View Station in a car going over to Stark 's Mountain , just as the bells was ringing over here fer midnight , cause I counted 'em , and Mark was over to Stark 's Mountain till most noon to-day , and I come home with him ! '' The minister 's face was blazing with glory , and old Duncannon patted Billy on the shoulder , and beamed , but Harricutt arose with menace in his eye and advanced on the young intruder . However , before anyone could do anything about it a strong firm hand reached out from the doorway and plucked Billy by the collar : `` That 'll do , Kid , Keep your mouth shut and do n't say another word ! ''