four o'clock
In boys like Ranny Phelps , who loathed `` grubbing with a hoe '' and had never had the slightest experience in farming , it was something almost akin to heroism . But not one of them shirked or backed down . Within a week they were all placed , and , from that time on , blistered hands , weary backs , and aching muscles were the order of the day . As Ranny once expressed it , -- airily , but with an underlying touch of seriousness , -- the only bright spots in the week were Sunday , when they could sleep late , and the two afternoons they were let off at four o'clock to practise for the rally . They made the most of those brief hours . In good weather the drill took place in a pasture belonging to old Mr. Grimstone , after which they enjoyed a refreshing plunge in the lake , and generally ended up with supper in the cabin . When he had time , which was n't often , Mr. Curtis joined them .