twelve o'clock
He had stood outside the door most of the time , or sometimes rested a little way from it on a store box , where he smoked placidly , and inspected the people who gathered to the dance . All the invited guests came early , and perfect harmony reigned within . A few of the unsavory order of citizens had sauntered by , as though taking note of the pleasures from which they were excluded . But it was not until almost twelve o'clock -- just after Overton had turned away from watching the waltz -- that a pistol shot rang out in the street , and several dancers halted . Some of the men silently moved to the door , but just then the door was opened by Overton , who looked in . `` It was only my gun went off by accident , '' he said , carelessly . `` So do n't let me stampede the party .