seven o'clock
Quincy pricked up his ears at this . He had almost forgotten this chance to put another spoke in Mr. Strout 's wheel . He made a mental memorandum to send telegrams to two Massachusetts congressmen with whom he was well acquainted to hold up Strout 's appointment at all hazards until they heard from him again . A little after seven o'clock the advance guard of the surprise party arrived at Hill 's grocery , which was the appointed rendezvous . Abner Stiles drew Strout to one side and said , `` I saw the Pettengill folks and that city feller in ` Zeke 's double sleigh going over to the Centre at about five o'clock . '' `` So much the better , '' said Strout . `` Do you know where they 've gone ? ''