the hour of three
Tom Burns in his long and varied career had many times slept in the open air , and he had no difficulty in falling asleep now . But asleep he took no note of time , and when he woke up it was much later than he intended . However , without delay he made his way to the cabin , and arrived just as Ernest discovered the death of the old man whom he had supposed to be his uncle . What time it was the tramp did not know , for it was years since he had carried a watch ; but as he stood with his face glued to the window-pane he heard a clock in the cabin striking the hour of three . `` Three o'clock , '' he ejaculated . `` Well , I did have a nap ! '' The boy was awake and he thought it best to wait a while .