two o'clock
`` I read it , first , because it had been yours , because it was dear to you , and then came other and holier thoughts , and I bowed down before the God you worshipped , and implored His aid to find strength , and He heard me . '' Mrs. Hamilton pressed his hand , but spoke not , and after a brief silence , Edward , changing his tone and his subject , launched at once , with all his natural liveliness , into a hurried tale of his voyage to England . An unusually quick passage gave him and all the youngsters the opportunity they desired , of returning to their various homes quite unexpectedly . The vessel had only arrived off Plymouth the previous night , or rather morning , for it was two o'clock ; by noon the ship was dismantled , the crew dismissed , leave of absence being granted to all . And for the first time in his life , he laughingly declared he fancied being the captain 's favourite very annoying , as his presence and assistance were requested at a time when his heart was at Oakwood ; however , he was released at last , procured a horse , and galloped away . His disasters were not , however , over ; his horse fell lame , as if , Edward said , he felt a seaman was not a fit master for him . He was necessitated to leave the poor animal to the care of a cottager , and proceed on foot , avoiding the village , for fear of being recognised before he desired ; he exercised his memory by going through the lanes , and reached Oakwood by a private entrance .