three in the morning
`` Then , thank Heaven , '' said Christopher , `` the past is not all locked up . '' That afternoon they stopped at an inn . But Dick slept in the cart . At three in the morning they took the road again , and creaked along supernaturally loud under a purple firmament studded with huge stars , all bright as moons , that lit the way quite clear , and showed black things innumerable flitting to and fro ; these made Phoebe shudder , but were no doubt harmless ; still Dick carried his double rifle , and a revolver in his belt . They made a fine march in the cool , until some slight mists gathered , and then they halted and breakfasted near a silvery kloof , and watered the cattle . While thus employed , suddenly a golden tinge seemed to fall like a lash on the vapors of night ; they scudded away directly , as jackals before the lion ; the stars paled , and with one incredible bound , the mighty sun leaped into the horizon , and rose into the sky . In a moment all the lesser lamps of heaven were out , though late so glorious , and there was nothing but one vast vaulted turquoise , and a great flaming topaz mounting with eternal ardor to its centre .