three o'clock
The lantern once more hung on its accustomed hook , and by its friendly gleam Rob and his two chums were enabled to find the place where on the preceding night they had slept so well . The wounded men happened to be removed from them by some little distance . They could be heard occasionally groaning , or talking in low tones ; but , as the boys were too tired to remain awake long , they soon lost all consciousness of what was passing around them . Perhaps the crowing of a rooster nearby may have told Rob that it was in the neighborhood of three o'clock , for he aroused his chums close to that time . `` Do we have to get out at this terribly early hour ? '' asked Tubby , as he dug his knuckles into his eyes , still heavy with sleep . `` Yes , '' said Rob .