seven o'clock
Some disturbance was brewing in the higher altitudes of air , and a low snarling murmur from the sea responded to what was , perchance , the outward gust of a fire-tempest in the sun . The small Charlie was , no doubt , quite ignorant of meteorological portents , nevertheless he kept himself wide awake , sniffing at empty space in a highly suspicious manner , his tiny black nose moist with aggressive excitement , and his whole miniature being prepared to make `` much ado about nothing '' on the smallest provocation . The morning broke sullenly , in a dull haze , though here and there pale patches of blue , and flushes of rose-pink , showed how fair the day would willingly have made itself , had only the elements been propitious . Helmsley slept well on through the gradual unfolding of the dawn , and it was fully seven o'clock when he awoke with a start , scarcely knowing where he was . Charlie hailed his return to consciousness with marked enthusiasm , and dropping the sentry `` Who goes there ? '' attitude , gambolled about him delightedly . Presently remembering his environment and the events which were a part of it , he quickly aroused himself , and carefully packing up all the bundles of straw in the shed , exactly as he had found them , he again went forth upon what he was disposed to consider now a penitential pilgrimage .