about six in the evening
The man in the stable-yard groomed away at the four horses , one after another , saddled them , led them back to the stable again , then composed himself to sleep on the stool outside the stable door , with a straw in his mouth and his hat-brim well over his eyes . The others still lounged in the sunshine before the inn door . He could hear the sound of their voices and occasional laughter , but not the words of their conversation . It was about six in the evening when the Captain was struck with an idea . At first it staggered him a little : then he thought it over and looked at it from several sides . Each time he reviewed the plan he got rid of a scruple or two , and by degrees began to like it exceedingly . His restlessness diminished , and in the end he became quite still .