three o'clock
I am not speaking upon my own judgment , but from what I have learned from my father . '' They had no sudden attack to fear from lurking foes , for an act of Edward the First was still in force , by which every highway leading from one market-town to another was always to be kept clear , for two hundred feet on each side , of every ditch , tree , or bush in which a man might lurk to do harm ; while , as any ill that happened to travellers was made payable by the township in which it occurred , there was a strong personal interest on the part of the inhabitants to suppress plundering bands in their neighbourhood . Both Edgar and Albert rode in partial armour , with steel caps and breast-pieces , it being an ordinance that all of gentle blood when travelling should do so , and they carried swords by their sides , and light axes at their saddle-bows . It was but a little past three o'clock when they crossed London Bridge and then made for the Tower , near which Sir Ralph was lodged . `` I am glad indeed to see you , my young swordsman , '' Sir Ralph , who was waiting at the door to receive them , said to Edgar after he had greeted his wife and children . `` This affair at Dartford threatens to be more serious than I expected . I was on the point of starting for home when I heard of the trouble , and should have done so had not the king asked me to remain here , seeing that at present his uncles and many other nobles are absent , and that , as he was pleased to say , my advice and sword might be useful to him should the trouble grow serious .