about two o'clock
For a moment he regretted he had not brought Oscar , but the next he saw that not much could with any help have been done for the sheep , beyond what they could , if at liberty , do for themselves . Left where they were they would probably be drowned ; if not they would be starved ; but if he let them go , they would keep out of the water , and find for themselves what food and shelter were to be had . He opened the gate , drove them out , and a little way up the hill and left them . By this time it was about two o'clock , and Gibbie was very hungry . He had had enough of the water for one day , however , and was not inclined to return to the Mains . Where could he get something to eat ? If the cottage were still standing -- and it might be -- he would find plenty there .