three o'clock
My host made his toilet , washing and shaving himself carefully , and putting on his old clothes as though going on parade . Then came breakfast , with a stew added in honor of my presence ; and as by this time the steamer was not far from Round Island , I started down toward the little post-office , anxious to receive some expected letters . The steamer came in slowly , the mail was distributed slowly , and I stopped to read my letters before returning . I had a picture-paper for Jacques , and as I looked out across the straits , I saw that the storm was over , and decided to return to the Chenaux in the afternoon , leaving word with my half-breeds to have the sail-boat in readiness at three o'clock . The sun was throwing out a watery gleam as , after the lapse of an hour or two , I walked up the limestone road and entered the great gate of the Agency . As I came through the garden along the cherry-tree avenue I saw Jacques sitting on that bench in the sun , for this was his hour for sunshine ; his staff was in his hand , and he was leaning back against the side of the house with his eyes closed , as if in revery . ` Jacques , here is a picture-paper for you , ' I said , laying my hand on his shoulder .