about four in the morning
Lost in the snow , I ran to and fro panting and alarmed , and unable to judge which way to direct my steps . As day drew near the cold became sharper ; I shivered , I execrated Sperver for having brought me from Fribourg to bear a part in this hideous adventure . At last , exhausted , my beard a mass of ice , my ears nearly frostbitten , I discovered the gate and rang the bell with all my might . It was then about four in the morning . Knapwurst made me wait a terribly long time . His little lodge , cut in the rock , remained silent ; I thought the little humpbacked wretch would never have done dressing ; for of course I supposed he would be in bed and asleep . I rang again .