three o'clock
Nothing of any special interest occurred through the afternoon . The storm had ceased entirely , and the sun had come out clear and warm . People were clearing off the walks , and the ringing of sleigh bells was distinct in the office , even over the incessant hum of the big engine . Toward three o'clock one of Mr. Hardy 's old friends , an officer of the road , came in and said there was a general movement on foot throughout Barton to hold a monster mass meeting in the Town Hall for the benefit of the sufferers , both in the railroad accident and in the explosion of the Sunday before in the shops . It was true the company would settle for damages , but in many cases the adjustment of claims would not be made until much suffering and hardship had been endured . There was a feeling on the part of the townspeople that a meeting for public conference would result in much good , and there was also , as has been the case in other large horrors , a craving to relieve the strain of feeling by public gathering and consultation . `` Can you come out to the meeting , Hardy ? ''