five o'clock in the
morning
The steeds of the general company went at whatever pace they chose and in what direction they saw fit , and occasionally two or three got wedged together in some narrow place and there was an interlude of kicking and squealing . Then `` Fatalité '' was called to the rescue as being the only one among them capable of managing horseflesh . When not required in her office of peacemaker she was sent on in front as guide to the procession , dressed in her boy 's disguise and astride the most vicious of the mules . These excursions meant less rest for her than ever for the party seldom returned till five o'clock in the morning . Emile had told her that she must get her sleep up in the hut . `` You have two hours to yourself , '' he said . `` You ca n't sleep up there ?