nine o'clock
A little later , having finished their work , they both came in and took active part in the light-hearted fun . Herman and one of the girls were having a great struggle over some trifle he had snatched from her hand , and the rest stood about laughing to see her desperate attempts to recover it . This was a familiar form of courtship in Kesota , and an evening filled with such romping was considered a `` cracking good time . '' After the girl , red and disheveled , had given up , Herman sat down at the organ , and they all sang Moody and Sankey hymns , negro melodies , and college songs till nine o'clock . Then Mrs. Mills called , `` Come , now , boys and girls , '' and they all said good night , like obedient children . Herman and Wallace went up to their bedroom together . `` Say , Stacey , have you got a policy ? ''