three o'clock
He then conducted me to the private parlour , where a friendly little barmaid had some refreshments on a tray awaiting me , and while warming my feet preparatory to eating I read the letter he had given me , which was addressed in my grandmother 's handwriting . In it she told me that she and my aunt were only just recovering from bad colds , and on account of the inclemency of the weather thought it unwise to come to town to meet me ; but Frank Hawden , the jackeroo would take every care of me , settle the hotel bill , and tip the coach-driver . Caddagat was twenty-four miles distant from Gool-Gool , and the latter part of the road was very hilly . It was already past three o'clock , and , being rainy , the short winter afternoon would dose in earlier ; so I swallowed my tea and cake with all expedition , so as not to delay Mr Hawden , who was waiting to assist me into the buggy , where the groom was in charge of the horses in the yard . He struck up a conversation with me immediately . `` Seeing your name on yer bags , an ' knowin ' you was belonging to the Bossiers , I ask if yer might be a daughter of Dick Melvyn , of Bruggabrong , out by Timlinbilly . '' `` Yes , I am . ''