six o'clock
Turning northward , he kept Joggles galloping for five minutes , then confident that his pursuers had been distanced , or misled , he varied the pace , letting the horse walk where the snow was drifted , but forcing him to his best speed where the road was blown clear . `` We know the route up to Middlebrook , Joggles ; but after that we get into the hills , and blindman 's work ' t will be for the two of us . So ' t is now we must make our time , if we are to be in Morristown by morning . '' The rider spoke truly , for it was already six o'clock when he reached the cross-roads at Baskinridge . Halting his horse at the guide-post , he drew his sword and struck the crosspiece a blow , to clear it of its burden of snow . `` Morristown , eight miles , '' he read in the dark grayness of approaching day . `` Hast go enough in thee left to do it , old fellow ?