six o'clock
He had waited fully an hour after the departure of the herd , a flag had been left unfurled at the junction , and all other instructions delivered . Both Forrest and Priest knew the distance to the ford on the Republican , and could figure to an hour , by different saddle gaits , the necessary time to cover the distance , even to Culbertson . Still there was a measure of uncertainty : the messenger might have lost his way ; there might not have been any physician within call ; accidents might have happened to horse or rider , -- and one hour wore away , followed by another . Against his will , Dell was held under restraint until six o'clock . `` It 's my intention to follow him within an hour , '' said the foreman , as the boy rounded a bluff and disappeared . `` He can build the fire as well as any one , and we 'll return before midnight . That 'll give the doctor the last minute and the benefit of every doubt . ''