twelve o'clock
I can not tell ; she would hardly betray her husband . At all events , there is a mystery , and it can only be unravelled by being pulled at ; and I may learn something by meeting Melchior , whereas I shall learn nothing by remaining quiet . '' This last idea satisfied me ; and for many hours I remained in a train of deep thought , only checked by paying for the horses at the end of every stage . It was now past twelve o'clock , when I found that it was necessary to change the chaise at every post . The country also , as well as the roads , had changed much for the worse . Cultivation was not so great , the roads were mountainous , and civilisation generally disappeared . It was nearly dark when I arrived at the last post , from whence I was to take horses to Mount Castle .