five o'clock
He had believed the public excitement was only a temporary outbreak of partisan feeling , soon to subside . Even now he was conscious that he was less doubtful of the integrity of the Union than of his own household . It was not the devotion of the patriot , but the indignation of an outraged husband , that was spurring him on . He knew that if he reached Woodville by five o'clock he could get ferried across the bay at the Embarcadero , and catch the down coach to Fair Plains , whence he could ride to the Rancho . As the coach did not connect directly with San Francisco , the chance of his surprising them was greater . Once clear of the city outskirts , he bullied Redskin into irascible speed , and plunged into the rainy darkness of the highroad . The way was familiar .