half after four
Now looking on this clutching hand , Trueman blinked and , saying no word , whipped his horses and the heavy wain rumbled and creaked on its way . But , when he had gone some distance , he grinned at me over his shoulder and called something whereof I caught the words `` labour lost . '' For a moment I was minded to run after and demand his meaning ; howbeit , in a little , I turned and went down the hill very full of thought . Reaching the village I found it not yet astir , for the clock of the church tower showed the time was but half after four ; and now , leaning on my staff I stared up at the church tower with its new weathercock , brave with gilding , agleam in the early sun , and from thence turned my gaze where -LRB- hard beside the pool upon the green -RRB- rose the grim shape of Sir Richard 's new pillory . Just now it stood untenanted and I wondered idly what unhappy wight was destined next to suffer there . Thus stood I some while , staring round me on this peaceful hamlet where all -LRB- save only myself -RRB- forgot their cares awhile in blessed sleep ; the wide road , the gabled cottages , oast-house and fragrant rick yard -- all was as I minded it five weary years since : nothing strange was there saving only Sir Richard 's hateful pillory , wherefore I smote it with my staff and , cursing him that set it there , turned away . Now within a stone 's - cast of the church was a goodly tavern with a weatherbeaten signboard a-swing above the door , whereon was painted what purported to be a leopard asleep and below the following legend , viz. : ROUSE ME NOT and below this again : YE CONISBY ARMS .