about three o'clock
`` You have a right , allowing that I did not myself wish to proceed , '' replied Alexander . `` You escorted me safe through the country to ascertain a point in which you had not the slightest interest , and it would indeed be rewarding you very ill , if I were now to refuse to gratify you : but the fact is , I am gratifying myself at the same time . '' `` Well , I am very glad to hear you say so , '' replied the Major , `` as it makes my mind at ease ; what time do you think it is , Swinton ? '' `` It is about three o'clock ; we shall soon have daylight , and I hope with daylight we shall have some sight to cheer us . We have traveled well , and can not by my reckoning be far from the Val River . Since yesterday morning we have made sixty miles or thereabouts ; and if we have not diverged from our course , the poor animals will soon be relieved . '' They traveled on another weary hour , when Begum gave a cry , and started off ahead of the wagons ; the oxen raised their heads to the wind , and those which were not in the yokes after a short while broke from the keepers , and galloped off , followed by the horses , sheep , and dogs .