nine o'clock
For the past week , the young people had been in a state of ferment , while their elders were in much the same condition , even to Mrs. Pennypoker , whose excitement was largely mixed with dread at the thought of the Bohemian life before her . The engineering camp , which they were to join , was now pitched beside the Beaverhead River ; and Mr. Burnam , who had been out with his party much of the time since Charlie 's accident , had come back to Blue Creek two days before , announcing that all was in readiness for their reception ; so the hour for their departure was fixed upon . The distance to the camp was so great that they were to be two days upon their journey , spending the night at a ranch on their way , and reaching camp late on the following afternoon . By nine o'clock , the party had assembled at the Burnams ' , ready for the start . They made an imposing cavalcade as they moved away down the street , for all but the older women were mounted on horseback . At the head of the procession rode Mr. Everett , Mr. Burnam , and Mr. Fisher , followed closely by the four boys , Allie and Marjorie , while Louise Everett , in her close-fitting dark green habit , cantered along in the rear , with Dr. Brownlee by her side . Then came the three wagons , the first driven by Wang Kum , with Janey perched up on the high seat beside him , eyeing her companion askance ; while Mrs. Pennypoker , directly behind them , watched them both with an unswerving vigilance , ready to check any sign of levity on the part of man or maid .