The moments dragged by , each seeming an hour . Would two o'clock never come and end the suspense ? We all became very tense . Even Peter had to stop reading . Any unaccustomed sound or sight in the world about us struck on our taut senses like the trump of doom . A cloud passed over the sun and as the sudden shadow swept across the orchard we turned pale and trembled . A wagon rumbling over a plank bridge in the hollow made Sara Ray start up with a shriek . The slamming of a barn door over at Uncle Roger 's caused the cold perspiration to break out on our faces . `` I do n't believe it 's the Judgment Day , '' said Felix , `` and I never have believed it . But oh , I wish that clock would strike two . '' `` Ca n't you tell us a story to pass the time ? '' I entreated the Story Girl . She shook her head . `` No , it would be no use to try . But if this is n't the Judgment Day I 'll have a great one to tell of us being so scared . '' Pat presently came galloping up the orchard , carrying in his mouth a big field mouse , which , sitting down before us , he proceeded to devour , body and bones , afterwards licking his chops with great satisfaction . `` It ca n't be the Judgment Day , '' said Sara Ray , brightening up . `` Paddy would never be eating mice if it was . '' `` If that clock does n't soon strike two I shall go out of my seven senses , '' declared Cecily with unusual vehemence . `` Time always seems long when you 're waiting , '' said the Story Girl .
`` But it does seem as if we had been here more than an XXXXX . ''
Cecily Day Felix Paddy Pat Peter Ray Roger hour o'clock