five o'clock
He saw very well that she could not free herself ; and the only idea that occurred to him as Christmas drew near was to write on his list of wishes , in huge letters so big that they could easily be read from heaven above , `` I wish that the Christ child would set Wiseli at liberty . '' Winter was come again , and the coast offered its feast of inexhaustible pleasure to the children , who never wearied of its charm . The moon shone with the most unusual brightness , it seemed to Otto , who , at last , had the cleverness to suggest that all the children should collect on the hillside at seven o'clock to take advantage of its beauty for an evening coasting-party . This suggestion was received with universal approbation , and the children separated at five o'clock when it began to be dark , to meet again at seven for their favorite amusement . Otto 's mother was not so enthusiastic over this great scheme as were the children , and could not agree with them when they expressed their delight . She said it was too cold for them to be out late into the evening ; that there was great danger of accidents in the uncertain moonlight ; and particularly objected to allowing Pussy to expose herself . But her objections only served to enhance the interest the children felt for the expedition , and Pussy pleaded for her consent as if her very life hung on being one of this coasting-party .