ten o'clock
Distant thunder growled in the sky . The atmosphere was stifling . The colonists proceeded as if they were urged onwards by some irresistible force . At ten o'clock a vivid flash showed them the palisade , and as they reached the gate the storm burst forth with tremendous fury . In a minute the corral was crossed , and Harding stood before the hut . Probably the house was occupied by the stranger , since it was from thence that the telegram had been sent . However , no light shone through the window .