seven o'clock
Sunrise Cabin was no longer an empty and deserted place , but golden lights shone through the windows , making a circle of brightness outside the door . From the inside came the sound of voices and laughter and music and the clatter of dishes . Slowly a figure approached the door . It was after seven o'clock and a sharply cold evening with a heavy snow on the ground , so there could be small comfort in loitering . Yet when the figure reached its evident destination , instead of knocking or making an effort to enter , it hesitated , stopped , turned and walked away for a few steps and then came back again . The second time , however , summoning a sudden courage , the arm shot forth , and there was a single rap on the door . The rap was so imperative that in spite of the rival noises inside , the door opened quickly .