9 o'clock
`` Do you know , '' inquired Sterry , `` how soon it is contemplated making the attack ? '' `` I have not heard Inman or Cadmus say , but from the talk of the men I judge it will be quite soon . '' `` Probably within a couple of hours ? '' `` Sooner than that -- by 9 o'clock at the latest . '' It was the mother who now spoke : `` Suppose Jennie and I decline to leave the house ? '' `` That has been considered , '' replied the son , `` and I am sorry to say it will make no difference . The rustlers are in an uglier mood than before -- wrathful because they have been kept idle so long .