twelve o'clock
He knew what belonged to him as a small boy of honor , and one thing was , not to be tamely put back from a higher to a lower place in his studies . I dare say that boys do not mind this now ; they must have grown ever so much wiser since my boy went to school ; but in his time , when you were put back , say from the Third Reader to the Second Reader , you took your books and left school . That was what the other boys expected of you , and it was the only thing for you to do if you had the least self-respect , for you were put back to the Second Reader after having failed to read the Third , and it was a public shame which nothing but leaving that school could wipe out . The other boys would have a right to mock you if you did not do it ; and as soon as the class was dismissed you went to your desk as haughtily as you could , and began putting your books and your slate and your inkstand together , with defiant glances at the teacher ; and then when twelve o'clock came , or four o'clock , and the school was let out , you tucked the bundle under your arm and marched out of the room , with as much majesty as could be made to comport with a chip hat and bare feet ; and as you passed the teacher you gave a twist of the head that was meant to carry dismay to the heart of your enemy . I note all these particulars carefully , so as to show the boys of the present day what fools the boys of the past were ; though I think they will hardly believe it . My boy was once that kind of fool ; but not twice . He left school with all his things at twelve o'clock , and he returned with them at one ; for his father and mother did not agree with him about the teacher 's behavior in putting him back .