Step-by-step explanation:
The setting in a story serves multiple purposes, including establishing the physical backdrop, creating atmosphere, and adding depth to the narrative. In the specific example you mentioned, the hills across the valley, the treeless railroad tracks, and the station contribute to the overall sense of place and help readers visualize the environment in which the story unfolds. It sets the stage and provides a sense of location.
As for the precise information about time at the end of the first paragraph, it adds another layer of detail and specificity. Knowing the exact time can contribute to building suspense or creating a particular mood. It can also serve as a foreshadowing element or hint at events that may occur later in the story.