two o'clock
`` No matter what he does , do n't you dare strike him again . '' Tom drove the car slowly through the streets of Bidwell to the door of a police station . Word of the return of the murderer had run ahead , and a crowd had gathered . Although it was past two o'clock the lights still burned in stores and saloons , and crowds stood at every corner . With the aid of a policeman , Ed Hall , with one eye fixed cautiously on the front seat where Clara sat , started to lead Joe Wainsworth away . `` Come on now , we wo n't hurt you , '' he said reassuringly , and had got his man free of the car when he broke away . Springing back into the rear seat the crazed man turned to look at the crowd .