five o'clock
When she awoke , the day was far advanced , but still old Tristram had not returned ; and with a heavy heart she set about her household concerns . The thought , however , of her anticipated visit to the castle speedily dispelled her anxiety , and she began to make preparations for setting out , attiring herself with unusual care . Bouchier had not experienced much difficulty in persuading her to obey the king 's behest , and by his artful representations he had likewise induced her grandfather to give his consent to the visit -- the old forester only stipulating that she should be escorted there and back by a falconer , named Nicholas Clamp , in whom he could put trust ; to which proposition Bouchier readily assented . At length five o'clock , the appointed hour , arrived , and with it came Nicholas Clamp . He was a tall , middle-aged man , with yellow hair , clipped closely over his brows , and a beard and moustaches to match . His attire resembled that of a keeper of the forest , and consisted of a doublet and hose of green cloth ; but he did not carry a bugle or hunting-knife . His sole weapon was a stout quarter-staff .