five in the morning
As soon as the meal was over , the children disappeared , whilst the grown people sat around the fireplace , on which was placed turf , heather , cow dung and dried fish-bones . As soon as everybody was sufficiently warm , a general dispersion took place , all retiring to their respective couches . Our hostess offered to pull off our stockings and trousers , according to the custom of the country , but as we graciously declined to be so honored , she left us to our bed of dry fodder . Next day , at five in the morning , we took our leave of these hospitable peasants . My uncle had great difficulty in making them accept a sufficient and proper remuneration . Hans then gave the signal to start . We had scarcely got a hundred yards from Gardar , when the character of the country changed .