six in the morning
`` I can only say , '' replied De Valence , `` that my conduct will naturally be regulated by your own ; and you , Sir John , can not hope more devoutly than I do that our military duties may be fairly discharged , without interfering with our friendly intercourse . '' The knights here parted , after a conference which once or twice had very nearly terminated in a full and cordial explanation ; but still there was wanting one kind heartfelt word from either to break , as it were , the ice which was fast freezing upon their intercourse , and neither chose to be the first in making the necessary advances with sufficient cordiality , though each would have gladly done so , had the other appeared desirous of meeting it with the same ardour ; but their pride was too high , and prevented either from saying what might at once have put them upon an open and manly footing . They parted , therefore , without again returning to the subject of the proposed diversion ; until it was afterwards resumed in a formal note , praying Sir Aymer de Valence to accompany the commandant of Douglas Castle upon a solemn hunting-match , which had for its object the wild cattle of the neighbouring dale . The time of meeting was appointed at six in the morning , beyond the gate of the outer barricade ; and the chase was declared to be ended in the afternoon , when the _ recheat _ should be blown beneath the great oak , known by the name of Sholto 's Club , which stood a remarkable object , where Douglas Dale was bounded by several scattered trees , the outskirts of the forest and hill country . The usual warning was sent out to the common people , or vassals of the district , which they , notwithstanding their feeling of antipathy , received in general with delight , upon the great Epicurean principle of _ carpe diem _ , that is to say , in whatever circumstances it happens to present itself , be sure you lose no recreation which life affords . A hunting-match has still its attractions , even though an English knight take his pleasure in the woods of the Douglas . It was no doubt afflicting to these faithful vassals , to acknowledge another lord than the redoubted Douglas , and to wait by wood and river at the command of English officers , and in the company of their archers , whom they accounted their natural enemies .