the hour of three
I raised my hand , and I am thankful that his table , which was a fixture , was between him and the river . I rushed through the crowd ; and whether the blow which I had lent the fishmonger operated upon their courage and humanity , I can not tell , but they made way for me . I had not , however , proceeded far , when sleep again became too much for me , and too literally I ` caught myself tripping . ' Its influence was irresistible , and St Paul 's had not yet chimed the hour of three . I saw a cart standing beneath an open gateway ; and , with gratitude in my heart , I lay down on it as a couch of luxury . But there I had not lain long when I was awoke by a person at my side . I started . ''