nearly five in the morning before
He was very near his end , and , sitting by him , I did my best to soothe his passing . His fortitude was good to see , and I believe that we all at last found new courage for our enterprise from seeing how this humble man met death . At least even the constable ceased to show impatience , and let me stay till I could close the sufferer 's eyes . But thus time went , and it was nearly five in the morning before I bade them farewell and mounted my horse . They took theirs and led them away to the stables behind the lodge ; I waved my hand and galloped off on my return to the castle . Day was dawning , and the air was fresh and pure . The new light brought new hope ; fears seemed to vanish before it ; my nerves were strung to effort and to confidence .