about five o'clock
`` I shall be very thankful if we do , '' I answered ; `` but it has become terribly dark . It will be a difficult matter to see a wood , even should we get near one . '' `` Yes , Massa Mike , but de hosses find it out , even it we do n't , '' answered Dio in a cheery tone ; `` what we best do is to let dem take dare own way ; dey know what the wood is , dough we no see him . '' I followed Dio 's advice , but our horses showed no inclination to turn either to the right hand or to the left , but ploughed on through the snow , as though unwilling to remain exposed to it as we were ; I took out my watch , but could scarcely see the hands , though I managed to make out that it was about five o'clock , and that the sun must have set ; indeed , the rapidly increasing darkness assured me that in a short time night would overtake us . I soon could only barely distinguish the outline of my horse 's head against the white ground . I frequently spoke to Dio , for fear any accident should make him drop behind , when he might have a difficulty in finding me again . `` Do not lose sight of my horse 's tail , whatever you do , '' I shouted out .