three o'clock in the afternoon
Recognizing George , who rode by Captain Clinton 's side , he gave him a friendly nod , and without saying a word turned his horse and rode away , the troopers following a short distance in his rear . When soldiers are on the march and in no danger of immediate contact with the enemy , they are allowed numerous privileges , of which the troopers composing this particular scouting-party were not slow to avail themselves . Some of them drew their pipes from their pockets and filled up for a smoke , others threw one leg over the horns of their saddles and rode sideways , `` woman-fashion , '' and conversation became general all along the line . But this talking and smoking did not interfere with their marching , for they rode rapidly , and made such good progress that by three o'clock in the afternoon they were within sight of the ruins of Mr. Wentworth 's ranche . And a sorry sight it was , too . Nothing but a pile of blackened sun-dried bricks remained to mark the spot on which a few days ago had stood a happy home . Household furniture of every description was scattered around , but every article had been smashed beyond all hope of repair .