three o'clock in the morning
What proof had they that the ant-hill was not then entirely submerged , and that it was full time to leave it by the top part , which would not be difficult to demolish ? Dick Sand , now extremely anxious , asked himself what he ought to do . Must he wait or suddenly announce the probable result of the situation , after ascertaining the condition of things ? It was then three o'clock in the morning . All , motionless , silent , listened . The noise from outside came very feebly through the obstructed orifice . All the time a dull sound , strong and continued , well indicated that the contest of the elements had not ceased .