four in the morning
The old man , contrary to expectation , seemed to be on the way to recovery , when one night Silas , sitting up by his bedside , observed that his usual audible breathing had ceased . The candle was burning low , and he had to lift it to see the patient 's face distinctly . Examination convinced him that the deacon was dead -- had been dead some time , for the limbs were rigid . Silas asked himself if he had been asleep , and looked at the clock : it was already four in the morning . How was it that William had not come ? In much anxiety he went to seek for help , and soon there were several friends assembled in the house , the minister among them , while Silas went away to his work , wishing he could have met William to know the reason of his non-appearance . But at six o'clock , as he was thinking of going to seek his friend , William came , and with him the minister .