about three o'clock in the afternoon
As he thought of what must take place , he thanked God for having allowed him to gain the knowledge of what was to happen , and hastened on his way . He had been about eight miles from Arnwood when he had concealed himself in the fern . Jacob first went to his cottage to deposit his gun , saddled his forest pony , and set off for Arnwood . In less than two hours the old man was at the door of the mansion ; it was then about three o'clock in the afternoon , and being in the month of November , there was not so much as two hours of daylight remaining . `` I shall have a difficult job with the stiff old lady , '' thought Jacob , as he rang the bell ; `` I do n't believe that she would rise out of her high chair for old Noll and his whole army at his back . But we shall see . '' Before Jacob is admitted to the presence of Miss Judith Villiers , we must give some account of the establishment at Arnwood .