seven o'clock
By six o'clock Harry was aroused . A closed cab , its driver pledged to secrecy , was at the door to carry Harry on his rounds . He visited the parents of all the members of Dick & Co. , informing them that the story they might soon hear was not based on any facts that need alarm them . Before seven o'clock that morning Dodge and Bayliss , wild-eyed and haggard looking , met at Bert 's home . Mr. Dodge took them , soon after , down onto Main Street with him . The first public whisper of the news sent it flying fast over Gridley . By nine o'clock Main Street was unwontedly crowded .