two o'clock
Truly , to the weary , haggard , shivering , half-clad watchers , the sun was an angel of light that morning ; and never did fire-worshippers greet his rise with a deeper feeling of gratitude and gladness . There was a general stir in the strange bivouac , an increased murmur of voices . The hymns of the negroes gradually ceased ; and people , singly or in groups , began to leave the square for their homes , in order to clothe themselves more fully , and to discover what was left to them in the general wreck . There had been no shock since the convulsion at half-past two o'clock , the fact inspiring general confidence that the worst was over . Hope grew stronger with the blessed light , and fear vanished with the darkness . Mr. Houghton touched his son , who immediately awoke , meditating deeds of hospitality . `` Father , '' he said , `` our house is near .