three in the morning
Now I stood astonished before it , for there were three similar imprints upon its surface , enormous in size , irregular in outline , of a depth which indicated the ponderous weight which had left them . Then a great terror surged over me . Stooping and shading my candle with my hand , I ran in a frenzy of fear to the rocky archway , hastened up it , and never stopped until , with weary feet and panting lungs , I rushed up the final slope of stones , broke through the tangle of briars , and flung myself exhausted upon the soft grass under the peaceful light of the stars . It was three in the morning when I reached the farm-house , and today I am all unstrung and quivering after my terrific adventure . As yet I have told no one . I must move warily in the matter . What would the poor lonely women , or the uneducated yokels here think of it if I were to tell them my experience ?