eight
o'clock in the morning
`` Now we must get horses as fast as we can . -- Mesty , can you ride ? '' `` By all de power can I ride , Massa Easy ; suppose you ride Kentucky horse , you ride anyting . '' In half an hour four horses and a guide were procured , and at eight o'clock in the morning the party set off in the direction of Don Rebiera 's country-seat . They had not ridden more than six miles when they came up with one of the detachments sent out in pursuit of the liberated criminals . Our hero recognised the commanding officer as an old acquaintance , and imparting to him the release of Don Silvio , and his fears upon Don Rebiera 's account , begged him to direct his attention that way . `` Corpo di Bacco -- you are right , Signor Mid , '' replied the officer , `` but Don Philip is there , and his brother too , I believe .