eight o'clock
The Captain bowed with the expression of a man who has just been promoted , but said nothing . For an hour Porter slept , and during that time Katherine stayed by him , moistening the folded handkerchief and chafing his wrists . The Captain , his importance and self-command oozing away a bit at a time as he watched the cool , quiet girl , hovered near as often as his dignity would permit with offers of assistance , most of which Katherine accepted . He put her horses and trap in charge of a militiaman , he brought out a rocking-chair for her , and when , a little after eight o'clock , Porter showed signs of waking , he sent out for some breakfast . On Porter , the touch of sleep , the welcome cup of coffee , and more than anything else his daughter 's soothing presence , seemed to have a marked effect . He sat up , leaning back heavily , and with a struggle collected his thoughts . Katherine joked with him , and fussed over him with a maternal solicitude that made the Captain smile .