half past seven before
With a second , more determined , effort , he clenched his teeth tightly , slung the empty bag over his shoulder , and started back toward the news-stand . But he went in silence . Somehow the usual whistle was impossible . It was close to half past seven before Dale delivered his last paper . He had been delayed in the beginning by old Jed Hathaway 's having to know all about it , and insisting on hearing every little detail before he could be induced to provide a second supply . Dale tried to be patient under the cross-examination of the garrulous old newsdealer , but it was n't easy when he knew that each minute wasted now was going to make it harder to get through in time for the scout meeting . When he was released at last , he hurried all he could , but the minute-hand of the old town-clock was perilously close to the perpendicular when he got back to the square again .