six o'clock
But it 's all the same now , and there 's but one thing to be done . '' The way this one thing was done belongs to the record of Madrono Hollow . The morning was bright and clear ; the air was slightly chill , but that was from the mist which arose along the banks of the river . As early as six o'clock the designated ground -- a little opening in the madrono grove -- was occupied by Culpepper Starbottle , Colonel Starbottle , his second , and the surgeon . The Colonel was exalted and excited , albeit in a rather imposing , dignified way , and pointed out to the surgeon the excellence of the ground , which at that hour was wholly shaded from the sun , whose steady stare is more or less discomposing to your duellist . The surgeon threw himself on the grass and smoked his cigar . Culpepper , quiet and thoughtful , leaned against a tree and gazed up the river .