ten o'clock
`` Perhaps we 'll bring Herrick back with us , Mrs. Van . '' `` He wo n't leave that piano of his , '' prophesied Mrs. Van Zandt . `` No more than a mother 'd leave her baby when there was danger around . '' It was ten o'clock when the three riders started on their trip , Scott preserving a reasonably cheerful face , in spite of the fact that he hated late starts . It was a beautiful morning ; the sky , blue and cloudless , the air fresh and invigorating with the crispness of early spring , the radiant clearness of the atmosphere making neighbors of the mountains , all combined to make a tonic which showed signs of going to Polly 's head . After all , there are few sensations like the starting out upon a horseback trip ; the mare 's springy trot , the freshness of her own healthy body , even the feel of the bridle reins brought her joy . `` You look mighty happy , '' commented Hard .