nearly two o'clock
`` I am bound to find out the truth , '' said Nick , with a shake of the head . And so he did ; but little did he dream of what was to happen to him during this search for the truth . As the hound belonged to Sam Harper and showed a disposition to go with him , he was allowed to do so , the lad moving off to the right and Nick Ribsam to the left , as was agreed upon . Nick had not his father 's watch with him , but Herbert Watrous carried a handsome gold hunting-piece , which was now consulted and showed it was nearly two o'clock . `` The days are getting short , '' said Sam Harper , with a doubtful shake of the head ; `` that does n't leave us more than three hours of daylight , and it is hardly worth while to part company . '' `` What 's the odds ? '' laughed Nick , who was anxious to look for the deer ; `` we wo n't be far apart , as we may be to-morrow . ''