nine o'clock before
As a matter of fact the thought of that lonely ride through the darkness before the sun rose had been too much for his courage , and he craved company . A black , therefore , preceded him on foot . Behind and above him came Korak , whom the noise in the camp had awakened . It was nine o'clock before Baynes drew rein in the clearing . Meriem had not yet arrived . The black lay down to rest . Baynes lolled in his saddle .