the hour of three
`` I wonder what fire is under that smoke on a day like this . It is a far cry from the top of this ridge to the bottom of that half-tamed region down there . One may see into three counties here , but it is rough traveling across the river by day , and worse by night . '' The bell above the south turret chimed the hour of three as Vincent Burgess entered the study . `` Take this seat by the window , '' Dr. Fenneben said with a genial smile and a handclasp worth remembering . `` You can see an Empire from this point , if you care to look out . '' Vincent Burgess sat at ease in any presence .