half past eight
He conquered , it seemed ; the pain grew less ; but it had left an increasing difficulty in his breathing ; it was a labour to absorb sufficient air even for his small , aged demands . Sleep deserted him ; and he waited through seeming years for the delayed appearance of dawn . He had hoped that the new day would be sunny , warm ; it was overcast , he could see the snow drifted in the lower window panes . Rudolph usually knocked at the door at half past eight ; but , apparently , to-day he had forgot . Howat Penny 's watch lay on the table , at his hand , yet it was far distant ; he could n't face the heavy effort of its inspection . At last the man came in with his even morning greeting . Howat was so exhausted that he could make no reply ; and Rudolph moved silently to the bedside .