about ten o'clock at night
Thereupon I conducted the man to the place where the horses were tied . `` The trees drip rather upon them , '' said the man , `` and it will not do for them to remain here all night ; they will be better out in the field picking the grass , but first of all they must have a good feed of corn ; '' thereupon he went to his chaise , from which he presently brought two small bags , partly filled with corn -- into them he inserted the mouths of the horses , tying them over their heads . `` Here we will leave them for a time , '' said the man ; `` when I think they have had enough , I will come back , tie their fore-legs , and let them pick about . '' It might be about ten o'clock at night . Belle , the postillion , and myself , sat just within the tent , by a fire of charcoal which I had kindled in the chafing-pan . The man had removed the harness from his horses , and , after tethering their legs , had left them for the night in the field above , to regale themselves on what grass they could find . The rain had long since entirely ceased , and the moon and stars shone bright in the firmament , up to which , putting aside the canvas , I occasionally looked from the depths of the dingle .