six o'clock
All that afternoon he continued his search with the same result -- We do n't need you . Some , it is true , were kind in their answers . One old gentleman , a real estate man , Dick felt sure was about to help him , but he was called away on business , and the poor fellow went on his weary search again . Then the whistles blew for six o'clock , and the workmen , their faces stained with the marks of toil , hurried along the streets toward home ; clerks and business men crowded the restaurants and lunch counters , the street cars were filled with shoppers going to their evening meal . Through hungry eyes , Dick watched the throng , wondering what each worked at during the day and what they would have for supper . The sun went behind a bank of dull , lead-colored clouds and the wind sprang up again , so sharp and cold that the citizens turned up the collars of their coats and drew their wraps about them , while Dick sought shelter from the chilly blast in an open hallway . Suddenly a policeman appeared before him .