about five in the evening
Two days on the road had put me sadly out of conceit with myself . For mile upon mile I trudged , dragging the horse after me by the bridle , till my arms felt as if coming from their sockets . I would have turn 'd the brute loose , and thought myself well quit of him , had it not been for the saddle and bridle he carried . * * * * * 'T was about five in the evening , and I still laboring along , when , over the low hedge to my right , a man on a sorrel mare leap 'd easily as a swallow , and alighted some ten paces or less in front of me ; where he dismounted and stood barring my path . The muzzle of his pistol was in my face before I could lay hand to my own . `` Good evening ! '' said I. `` You have money about you , doubtless , '' growled the man curtly , and in a voice that made me start .