the hour of one
Noon saw the traveller in an `` up-and-down '' country intersected by icebound streams and snow-laden hollows . The timber became more heavy , great pine trees dominating the more stunted growths , and darkening the outlook by reason of their more generous vegetation . On the eastern extremity of this belt of country stood the school-house of Leonville ; beyond that the undulating prairie again on to Loon Dyke Farm . Leslie Grey looked at his watch ; the hands indicated a near approach to the hour of one . He had yet three miles to go to reach his destination . He had crossed a small creek . A culvert bridged it , but the snow upon either side of the trail was so deep in the hollow that no indication of the woodwork was visible .