three o'clock
And every one set to work at the pleasant preparations . Mrs. Merrill , Grandmother and Alice stayed in the kitchen , while Mr. Merrill joined Mary Jane and Grandfather in making preparations for the secret . They did n't let any one see a thing of what they were doing and they carefully covered up the big basket that they stowed away in the back of the car . At three o'clock they were off and with such good company and over fine roads the twenty-five mile ride to Flatrock seemed all too short . `` Now you folks who think you have the eats , '' said Grandfather as they all got out of the car , `` can just fool around any way you like . Mary Jane and I are going to build a fire for the coffee her father and I will be sure to want . '' `` That 's no surprise , '' laughed Alice ; `` Grandmother has the coffee in her basket and she told me I could help you make the fire ! ''