nine o'clock
With the talk of the picnic , Grace 's warning soon passed from the girls ' minds . They had no knowledge of the trials that their senior year was to bring them or how fully the truth of Grace 's words was to be proved . * * * * * The day of the picnic dawned fair and cloudless . By nine o'clock a merry party of laughing , chattering girls had gathered in front of the High School , where the two immense wagons generally used by Oakdale picnickers , each drawn by four horses , awaited them . For a wonder every one was on time , and the start was made with a great fluttering of handkerchiefs , accompanied by enthusiastic cheers and High School yells . As they rattled down the street people paused and looked smilingly after them . Oakdale was very proud of her High School boys and girls , and enjoyed seeing them happy .