about five o'clock
Groups of working-men gathered and discussed the coming meeting ; carts had already passed by on their way to the Park carrying materials for platforms , and had been cheered by some of the more eager spirits . The tradesmen were divided in feeling , some foreseeing a brisk demand for things to eat and drink in the next few days , the more timid not denying this but doubting whether payment might not be dispensed with , and nervously enlarging on the cost of plate glass . Organisers ran busily to and fro , displaying already , some of them , rosettes of office , and all of them as much hurry as though the great event were fixed for a short hour ahead . Norburn was about the streets , looking more cheerful than he had done for a long while -- the scent of battle was in his nostrils -- and enjoying the luxury of prevailing on his friends not to hiss Mr. Puttock when that worthy stepped across from his warehouse to the Club about five o'clock . Inside the Club , also , excitement was not lacking . The Houses of Parliament were deserted for this more central spot , and many members anxiously discussed their principles and their prospects , and the relation between the two . Medland 's followers were not there in much force , being for the most part employed elsewhere , and indeed at no time much given to club-life , or suited for it , but there were many of Perry 's , and still more of those who had followed Puttock , or were reported to be about to follow Coxon , and among them the members for several divisions in and near Kirton .