five o’clock
They were those of a man elegantly shod , wearing spurs on his heels , for the spurs had left their marks upon the snow . Jacques had not hesitated to follow these marks . The track of his heavy shoes could be seen near the prints of the delicate boot -- the large foot of the peasant near the slender foot of the city man . It was now five o'clock . Day was breaking , and Michel resolved to go no further . Jacques was on the trail , and the young poacher was worth as much as the old one . Michel circled the open as if he were returning from Ceyzeriat , resolving to enter the inn and wait for Jacques ' return ; certain that his son would know he had followed him and had stopped short at this isolated house .