two o'clock
`` That seems to be the only thing that can be done now , '' and the expression of Mistress Ann 's face resembled that of a martyr who was about to be tied to the stake ; for riding on a pillion brought the lady always into the closest proximity with the gentleman , and she was now cherishing towards Master Joseph a temper that could hardly be called sisterly . There was necessarily a great waste of time in getting the pillion on Sweetbriar . He never had carried double , and he evidently felt insulted by being asked to do it . Master Joseph glanced at the sun , and knew it must be now full two o'clock . Only by fast riding , would it be possible to get to Salem court-house by three ; and the roads , as they then were , did not admit of fast riding except in a few places . It was no easy thing for Mistress Ann to get on Sweetbriar , for the horse backed and sidled off from the horse-block whenever she attempted it -- all his sweetness seemed gone by this time , and the briars alone remained . At least fifteen minutes more were lost in this way .