about eight
o'clock
They talked spasmodically as they swung their arms about their chests , speaking from behind their huge buffalo-coat collars . The wind roared through the creaking oaks ; the horses stirred complainingly , the bells on their backs crying out querulously ; the heads of the fortunates inside were shadowed outside on the snow , and the restless young men amused themselves betting on which head was Bensen and which Councill . At last some one pounded on the desk inside . The suffocating but lively crowd turned with painful adjustment toward the desk , from whence Deacon Benson 's high , smooth voice sounded : `` Brethren an ' sisters , Elder Pill hai n't come -- and , as it 's about eight o'clock , he probably wo n't come to-night . After the disturbances last night , it 's -- a -- a -- we 're all the more determined to -- the -- a -- need of reforming grace is more felt than ever . Let us hope nothing has happened to the Elder . I 'll go see to-morrow , and if he is unable to come -- I 'll see Brother Wheat , of Cresco .