and twelve o'clock
In its place was an iron stove , which , according to Rita , made the atmosphere `` stuffy . '' Toward nine o'clock Mr. and Mrs. Bays retired , and the `` sitting-out '' tournament began . The most courteous politeness was assumed by the belligerent forces , in accordance with established custom in all tournaments . The great clock in the corner struck ten , eleven , and twelve o'clock . Still the champions were as fresh as they had been at nine . No one could foretell the victor , though any one could easily have pointed out the poor victim . After ten o'clock the conversation was conducted almost entirely by Williams and Dic , with a low monosyllable now and then from Rita when addressed .