ten o'clock sharp
I -- '' By this time the housemistress had perceived that though the man was rough in appearance he was not unkindly in manner and that he was reluctant to disclose his errand . Also , if he had walked up the mountain he must be tired , indeed ; so she fetched a chair and offered it , but only to have the courtesy declined : `` Thank ye , ma'am , but I -- I guess you wo n't care to have me sit when I 've told my job . ` Tai n't to say a pleasant one but -- Well , I 'm the constable of Lower Riverside , and I 've come to serve this summonses on that there little girl o ' yourn . You must see to it that she 's on hand at Seth Winterses ' blacksmith shop an ' justice 's office , to-morrow morning at ten o'clock sharp . Here , ma'am , is the writ of subpoeny ' t calls for her to be a witness in a case of assault an ' battery . Leastwise , to bein ' known to the critters what assaulted and battered . '' Before Mrs. Chester could really comprehend what he was saying or doing , the man had thrust a paper into her hand , and had vanished .