six o'clock
Beginning with so fine a promise of vernal things , late in the afternoon the air chilled and an inch of snow fell -- even so late in March . On Fifth Avenue the ladies drew their winter furs close about them . Only in the florists ' windows could be perceived any signs of the morning smile of the coming goddess Eastre . At six o'clock Herr Lutz began to close his shop . He heard a well-known shout : `` Hello , Dutch ! '' `` Tiger '' McQuirk , in his shirt-sleeves , with his hat on the back of his head , stood outside in the whirling snow , puffing at a black cigar . `` Donnerwetter ! ''