half after
six
Such thoughts as these are apt to grow stronger and stronger as daylight quenches the candles and the birds begin to sing . By the time the red sunlight shone on the brass nails that formed the initials on the lid of the coffin , any lingering foreboding from the sound of the willow wand was merged in satisfaction that the work was done and the promise redeemed . There was no need to call Seth , for he was already moving overhead , and presently came downstairs . `` Now , lad , '' said Adam , as Seth made his appearance , `` the coffin 's done , and we can take it over to Brox ` on , and be back again before half after six . I 'll take a mouthful o ' oat-cake , and then we 'll be off . '' The coffin was soon propped on the tall shoulders of the two brothers , and they were making their way , followed close by Gyp , out of the little woodyard into the lane at the back of the house . It was but about a mile and a half to Broxton over the opposite slope , and their road wound very pleasantly along lanes and across fields , where the pale woodbines and the dog-roses were scenting the hedgerows , and the birds were twittering and trilling in the tall leafy boughs of oak and elm .