about
four o'clock
Blant 's nervousness has been augmented by the fact that for three days handrunning he has had visions which have filled him with fear for Rich . Monday while they were together `` snaking '' logs down the mountain side , he suddenly saw Rich standing beside him headless , -- a second glance showed him Rich fastening a log-chain thirty feet distant . Tuesday morning he beheld the headless shade at his elbow , while Rich was on the far side of a fodder-stack from him ; and about noon , the same dreadful apparition started up beside him as he lifted a skillet of meat from the fire , Rich being at the time on his way to catch a brief glimpse of his people at home . Blant was in an agony until Rich returned safely about four o'clock ; then he told him of the warnings he had had , and implored him to be exceedingly wary and careful , Rich being quite amused at his earnestness . After supper they were all gathered as usual about the fire , Blant holding the babe , when there was a halloo from the road . `` Do n't pay no attention to it , '' said Rich , `` it 's likely Todd , trying to tole you out . '' But the call sounded again , in an unmistakably strange voice , and , handing the babe to his father , Blant started for the door .