five o'clock
Jean , in whom a low fever had developed under the drizzling rain , had sunk down crosswise on his saddle in a condition of semi-consciousness , holding on with both hands by the horse 's mane , while Maurice , who had slipped the bridle over his right arm , had to steady him by the legs to keep him from tumbling to the ground . For more than a league , for two long , weary hours that seemed like an eternity , did they toil onward in this fatiguing way ; floundering , stumbling , slipping in such a manner that it seemed at every moment as if men and beast must land together in a heap at the bottom of some descent . The spectacle they presented was one of utter , abject misery , besplashed with mud , the horse trembling in every limb , the man upon his back a helpless mass , as if at his last gasp , the other , wild-eyed and pale as death , keeping his feet only by an effort of fraternal love . Day was breaking ; it was not far from five o'clock when at last they came to Remilly . In the courtyard of his little farmhouse , which was situated at the extremity of the pass of Harancourt , overlooking the village , Father Fouchard was stowing away in his carriole the carcasses of two sheep that he had slaughtered the day before . The sight of his nephew , coming to him at that hour and in that sorry plight , caused him such perturbation of spirit that , after the first explanatory words , he roughly cried : `` You want me to take you in , you and your friend ? and then settle matters with the Prussians afterward , I suppose .