ten o'clock
My idea was better . I sought out the hotel 's wardrobe -- there is nothing the Antlers will not do for you -- and clothed myself in khaki , leggings , and boots . Then I ordered a car and set out for Manitou , at the foot of the mountain . By ten o'clock I was mounted on a donkey , headed for the top , after having been informed by a guide that `` the man and the beautiful lady '' had departed an hour previous . Having made the ascent twice before , I needed no guide . So I decided ; but I regretted the decision . Three times I lost the path ; once I came perilously near descending on the village below -- well , without hesitation .