eight o'clock in the evening
Those we met just now doubtless belonged to the force gathered in Bazas ; and it is in the direction of the north , rather than the west , that the Catholics are most vigilant . If she succeeds in making her way through them , it will be well nigh a miracle . `` Now that we are well past Bazas , we will leave the road and make our way across the fields ; for it is upon the roads that any watch there may be will be set . '' It was a long day 's journey , and at eight o'clock in the evening they lay down in a wood , ten miles from Nerac ; having walked fully fifty miles since crossing the river Ciron . `` I am very glad , Monsieur Philip , that we were not here four hours earlier . '' `` Why , Pierre ? '' `` Because , sir , in that case you would have insisted on pushing on to Nerac , so as to enter it before the gate is closed ; and in that case I doubt whether , with the best will , I could have got that far , and I am sure that Jacques and Roger could not have done so . ''