eight o'clock in the morning
`` I 'm trying to do that , but , Andy , it 's hard work , '' and Matt 's handsome face took on an unusually sober look . Knowing that nothing could be gained by discussing the matter , which had been talked over a score of times previously , Andy changed the subject . Business had opened very well , and he wished to go out and have some circulars printed , by which even a larger crowd might be attracted to the sale . It remained clear for two days , and during that time both of the young auctioneers were kept busy from eight o'clock in the morning until eleven at night . On the third day it began to grow warmer , and by noon it was raining steadily . `` Well , never mind , the rain will wash the snow away , and if it only stays clear afterward we will have a chance to get on to Carbondale , '' was Andy 's cheerful comment . Seeing that Matt could get along very well alone , he left the store in the afternoon to buy a heavy overcoat at some clothing establishment .