Possible Clues:

• The last of a large but unspecified number
• Latest in an endless series of occurrences
• Nth
• Put the men off, being so late in ordering
• The men put out first? Far from it
• The last of many men heat put out with no end of inertia
• The men put away the last of many
• Last in an indefinite series
• Put the men to work for such an unspecified time?
• Match official with clout taking number -- the latest in a long line