About one o'clock
`` Do n't trouble your little head with that question , '' said John , smiling ; `` long may it be before you are able to answer it . Look at those snowbirds ! '' By degrees the day wore on . About one o'clock they stopped at a farm-house to let the horse rest , and to stretch their own limbs , which Ellen for her part was very glad to do . The people of the house received them with great hospitality , and offered them pumpkin pies and sweet cider . Alice had brought a basket of sandwiches , and Prince Charlie was furnished with a bag of corn Thomas had stowed away in the sleigh for him ; so they were all well refreshed and rested and warmed before they set off again . From home to Ventnor , Mr. Marshman 's place , was more than thirty miles , and the longest , because the most difficult , part of the way was still before them .