A few
minutes before four o'clock
The night fortunately was fine , and if all went well they would be well on their way to Fort Frederick before Jacob Barkerly or any of the rebels were aware of their departure . Accordingly the night was a busy one getting ready and transferring bundles of stuff to the canoe , which was some distance off . At early dawn all were in readiness , and the last to leave the homestead at Grimross were Margaret and Paul , who had returned from the shore for a box containing the Captain 's private papers , which had been overlooked in the hurry . A few minutes before four o'clock the Indian and Mrs. Godfrey arrived at the canoe with the box . -LSB- 4 -RSB- -LSB- Footnote 4 : Many of the events related in this story are founded on facts gathered from papers contained in the box . -RSB- The morning was a lovely one , and Margaret Godfrey was the most hopeful and cheerful of the little band of fugitives who were preparing to step into the canoe . Her every act and word seemed void of fear .