about six o'clock
So those dry leaves proved a boon such as he had not dared to hope for . They dried him somewhat , serving as a blanket in which he coiled himself after his wild race through the dank darkness . The rain still fell , but he now only felt it on his head , and , weary as he was , he gradually sank into deep slumber beneath the continuous drizzle . When he opened his eyes again , the dawn was breaking , and it was probably about six o'clock . During his sleep the rain had ended by soaking the leaves , so that he was now immersed in a kind of chilly bath . Still he remained in it , feeling that he was there sheltered from the police , who must now surely be searching for him . None of those bloodhounds would guess his presence in that hole , for his body was quite buried , and briers almost completely hid his head .