about three o'clock in the afternoon
`` He must be at work , or we should have heard something regarding him , '' Amos replied , and then ceased even to think of the apprentice . Shortly after noon those assembled under the Liberty Tree , -- and there were quite as many as had gathered on Friday and Saturday , -- were told that the Council had discussed with Governor Hutchinson the question of removing the troops from the city , and assured him the people would be satisfied with nothing else . It was also said the Governor had refused to do anything regarding the matter ; but that Samuel Adams had publicly declared the troops should be sent away , and that without loss of time . At about three o'clock in the afternoon , Amos and Jim heard once more from Master Piemont 's assistant . It was told under the Liberty Tree that he had been seen in company with Attucks , the mulatto , and half a dozen others , near Wentworth 's Wharf , and that Hardy had distinguished himself by taunting with cowardice , a squad of soldiers , until the redcoats avenged the insults with blows ; but nothing more serious than a street brawl was the result . `` Perhaps I made a mistake , and Hardy did n't get as severe a lesson as he needed , '' Jim whispered to his friend . `` If he did n't , he 's likely to receive it before this day is ended , in case he continues as they claim he has begun .