About eight o'clock
At that early hour , and in the sleepy condition which usually results from a _ very _ early start , men are seldom inclined to talk . Only one or two monosyllables were uttered as each man rolled up his blanket with his share of the provisions in it , and fastened on his snow-shoes . A few minutes later Robin led the way down the slope , and the whole party marched off in single file , and re-entered the woods . About eight o'clock they halted for breakfast , which Larry O'Dowd prepared with his accustomed celerity , and assisted to consume with his wonted voracity . `` There 's nothin ' like aitin ' when yer hungry , '' observed Larry , with his mouth full . '' ` Xcept drinking when you 're dry , '' said Stiff , ironically . `` Now I do n't agree with ye , '' retorted Larry ; `` I used to think so wance , before I left the owld country -- my blissin ' rest on it .