nine o'clock
Two `` bunks , '' like ships ' berths , -- an upper and lower one , -- occupied the gable-end of this single apartment , and on beds of coarse sacking , filled with dry moss , were carefully rolled their respective blankets and pillows . They were the only articles not used in common , and whose individuality was respected . Uncle Jim , who had been sitting before the fire , rose as the square bulk of his partner appeared at the doorway with an armful of wood for the evening stove . By that sign he knew it was nine o'clock : for the last six years Uncle Billy had regularly brought in the wood at that hour , and Uncle Jim had as regularly closed the door after him , and set out their single table , containing a greasy pack of cards taken from its drawer , a bottle of whiskey , and two tin drinking-cups . To this was added a ragged memorandum-book and a stick of pencil . The two men drew their stools to the table . `` Hol ' on a minit , '' said Uncle Billy .