four o'clock
It was three o'clock the next morning before they were permitted to halt , when the boys rolled themselves up in their blankets , and dropped upon the ground . It was positive enjoyment to Tom , and he felt happy ; for rest was happiness when the body was all worn out . A thought of the cottage and of his mother crossed his mind , and he dropped asleep to dream of the joys of home . Short and sweet was that blessed time of rest ; for at four o'clock , after only one brief hour of repose , the regiment was turned out again , and resumed its weary march to the southward . But that short interval of rest was a fountain of strength to Tom , and without a murmur he took his place by the side of his grumbling companions . Ben and Fred were disgusted with the army , and wanted to go back ; but that was impossible . Again , for weary hours , they toiled upon the march .