twelve o'clock
`` That 's a matter we shall have to discuss , for it is n't a pleasant lookout to give a performance for the benefit of your court when we need money so badly ourselves . '' `` I 'll come back in an hour an ' get your answer , '' the squire replied with considerable show of dignity , as he left the building . Jet was distressed at the thought that it might be possible the fines would be paid in a short time , for then he could make no excuse for loitering about the town , and even if he should do so there was every reason to believe the constable he was eager to have arrested would recognize him . Dinner , consisting of soup , with a liberal supply of meat and bread , was served to the prisoners at twelve o'clock , and , half an hour later , the manager arrived to talk with his company regarding the proposition to reduce the fines so far as was possible by giving a performance . The `` funny '' man of the party acted as spokesman for his companions , and Jet listened with deepest interest to the following conversation : `` There is no question about persuadin ' that idiotic squire to give all hands a few hours ' liberty , if you agree to return here as soon as the performance is ended , '' the manager began . `` And in what way shall we be benefited ? '' `` At least a portion of the fines will be paid , and it may then be possible to get his consent to our moving on to the next town . ''