about four o'clock in the afternoon
In the mean time , Emily , who had received minute information in regard to her journey , and who was , moreover , no stranger to the way , having been twice to Camden , struck boldly into the dense forest through which she was to pass , and moved along a bridle track at as swift a pace as the animal she rode could bear without too great fatigue . The importance of the work upon which she had entered , and the enthusiasm with which it inspired her , kept her heart above the influence of fear . No event of moment happened to her during the first day of her journey . In passing a small settlement known as Morgan 's Range , which she did at about four o'clock in the afternoon , she took the precaution to sweep around it in a wide circle , as some of the most active and evil-minded tories in the state resided in that neighbourhood . Successful in making this circuit , she resumed the road upon which her course lay , still urging forward her faithful animal , which , though much fatigued by the rapidity of his journey , obeyed the word of his rider , as if he comprehended the importance of the message she bore . Gradually , now , the day declined , and , as the deep shadows mingled more and more with each other , a feeling of loneliness , not before experienced , came over the mind of Emily , and her eyes were cast about more warily , as if she feared the approach of danger . The house at which she had proposed to spend the night was still ten miles , if not more , in advance , and as the shades of evening began to gather around , the hope of reaching this resting-place was abandoned ; for there being no moon , there was danger of her losing her way in the darkness .