about five A.M
At the end of the second mile , and still going strong , the fugitive bethought him to part with his red coat . He already had run out from under his uniform cap , but a red coat with a double row of brass buttons and brass-topped epaulettes on it flashing next morning across a bland autumnal landscape would be calculated to attract undesired attention . So without slackening speed he took it off and cast it behind him into the darkness . Figuratively speaking , he breathed easier when he crossed the state line at or about five A.M. . As a matter of fact , though , he was breathing harder . Some hours elapsed before he caught up with his panting . Traveling in his shirt sleeves , he reached home too late for the wedding .