four o'clock in the morning
`` And , '' said he , `` it is so already in heart , if not in deed ! '' In the meantime , the flag was hoisted at the central window of Granite House , and the settlers saluted it with three cheers . The cold season was now almost at an end , and it appeared as if this second winter was to pass without any unusual occurrence , when , on the night of the 11th August , the plateau of Prospect Heights was menaced with complete destruction . After a busy day the colonists were sleeping soundly , when towards four o'clock in the morning they were suddenly awakened by Top 's barking . The dog was not this time barking near the mouth of the well , but at the threshold of the door , at which he was scratching as if he wished to burst it open . Jup was also uttering piercing cries . `` Hallo , Top ! ''