twelve o'clock
Little did the farthest sighted among them comprehend that the fullness of time had come for the opening of a mighty drama ; that the bell up in the tower was heralding the beginning of a new era in human government . Tom and Abraham found seats in the gallery . After prayer , Samuel Adams said the committee appointed at a previous meeting had called upon the collector , with Mr. Rotch , asking him to clear the Dartmouth , but the request was not granted . `` We all know , '' he continued , `` that the twenty days will expire at twelve o'clock to-night . After that hour the Dartmouth will be moored under the guns of Admiral Montague 's warships , and will be taken possession of by a party of marines . I therefore move that Mr. Rotch be directed to enter his protest at the Custom House , and that he be further directed by this meeting to apply to Governor Hutchinson for a permit that shall allow the Dartmouth to pass the Castle and sail for London . '' `` All in favor of that motion will say aye , '' said the moderator .