seven o'clock
The darkness of early morn was soon succeeded by the graying dawn , and Phil felt a certain sense of relief as he realized that day was breaking . On they swept , past hamlets , by farm houses , where here and there men with milkpails in hand paused , startled , to rub their eyes and gaze upon the strange outfit that was rushing past them at such a pace . Phil could not repress a chuckle at such times , at thought of the sensation he was creating . The hours drew on until seven o'clock had arrived , and the sun was high in the heavens . `` I must be getting near the place , '' decided Phil . He knew he was on the right road , for he could plainly see the trail of the wagons and of the stock in the dust of the road before him . `` Yes ; there is some sort of a village way off yonder .