five minutes before eleven
Dawson vouchsafed no reply . One must be tolerant with garrulous old niggers , but he 'd keep an `` hey on them ` orses '' all the same . The riding school used in stormy weather and the circle for fine , were not far from the house . At five minutes before eleven the girls who were to have their Saturday morning lessons prior to the ride in the afternoon , went over to the school and an electric bell notified Dawson that his young ladies awaited their mounts . With due decorum and self-importance he and Henry , the groom , led the horses from the stable , Dawson calling over his shoulder : `` You 'd better come on with your Harabs , I ca n't be waitin ' with my lessons . '' `` We-all 'll come ` long when we 's bid , '' was Jess ' cryptic retort . Dawson scorned to reply , but mounted on his big dapple-gray horse , Duke , body bent forward and elbows out , creaked away .