nearly ten o'clock
` But Nature does n't provide plucked birds for our benefit . ' ` Skinned an ' cleaned 'em at the water . ' The teamsters were not averse to boiled duck and broth for breakfast , and the two billies were soon steaming on the camp-fire , while the company yarned and smoked . It was nearly ten o'clock , and all hands were thinking of taking to their blankets for the night , when a sixth man came quietly through the trees , unobserved until his greeting disturbed them . Done had to turn on his side to look at the newcomer , a handsome , beardless man in the garb of a digger , but much more scrupulous in the matter of cleanliness and fit than the majority . ` I did not like the society at the Rest , ' he said , ` and walked on , looking for quieter company . ' ` Make yourself at home , ' answered Mike .