three in the morning
`` We go and come just as we danged feel like . We do n't travel with tags . '' And the sled , with Smoke in the lead and Shorty at the pole , went on down Main Street escorted by three score men , each of whom , on his back , bore a stampeding-pack . It was three in the morning , and only the all-night rounders saw the procession and were able to tell Dawson about it next day . Half an hour later , the hill was climbed and the dogs unharnessed at the cabin door , the sixty stampeders grimly attendant . `` Good-night , fellows , '' Smoke called , as he closed the door . In five minutes the candle was put out , but before half an hour had passed Smoke and Shorty emerged softly , and without lights began harnessing the dogs .