nine at night
Somewhere down the western slope of the Sierras he found at a station some delicious cherries , and a little basket of the choicest he made bold to send with his compliments and the hope that her indisposition would soon disappear . The porter came back with the lady 's thanks . The cherries were `` lovely , '' but Stuyvesant observed that not more than one or two found their way to those pearly teeth , the rest being devoured by her too devoted attendants . It was after nine at night when he marshalled his motley party into the dining-room at Sacramento and they were made glad by substantial , well-cooked food , with abundant hot coffee . They thanked him gratefully , did many of the young fellows , and hoped they might meet more such officers . An elderly passenger who had quietly noted the outlay of money to which Mr. Stuyvesant had been subjected strolled up to the manager . `` That young gentleman has had to pay too much to-day .