four o'clock
He told me he had not done so , as he had an idea that it was the other show they were looking for . However , he was not certain on that score . For the time being , however , he put them off with the explanation that the ticket register was out of order and the tickets were not yet ready . The family wagons and carryalls were beginning to come in , and by four o'clock or thereabouts the little place presented quite an animated appearance . The prospects for a crowd were good . Every minute I expected to hear the sound of the steamboat 's whistle at the point announcing her arrival . It was getting along well in the afternoon when the thought entered my mind , ` Now , if by any chance the steamer should be delayed , what course would I pursue ? '