two o'clock in the morning
De Pombal knew how the outposts were placed and all the paths which led through the forest . But to avoid these villains we had to plunge among the hills and walk for many a weary mile . And yet how gladly would I have walked those extra leagues if only for one sight which they brought to my eyes ! It may have been two o'clock in the morning when we halted upon the bare shoulder of a hill over which our path curled . Looking back we saw the red glow of the embers of the beacon as if volcanic fires were bursting from the tall peak of Merodal . And then , as I gazed , I saw something else -- something which caused me to shriek with joy and to fall upon the ground , rolling in my delight . For , far away upon the southern horizon , there winked and twinkled one great yellow light , throbbing and flaming , the light of no house , the light of no star , but the answering beacon of Mount d'Ossa , which told that the army of Clausel knew what Etienne Gerard had been sent to tell them .