about
three in the morning
Caves , dens , and outhouses were crowded with the persecuted flock . The ousted ministers were still lifting up their voice in the wilderness , and the distant hum of psalmody was heard afar amongst the hills , and by the side of the frozen stream and the bare hawthorn . What a contrast did all this present to the fun , frolic , and downright ecstacy of this day 's sport ! But the night came , with its beef and its greens , and its song , and its punch , and its anecdote , and its thrice-played games , and its warm words , and its half-muttered threats , and its dispersion about three in the morning . `` Wha was yon stranger ? '' said John Harkness to Sandy Gibson , as they met next day on the hill . `` I didna like the look o ' him ; an ' yet he played his stane weel , an ' took a great lead in the conversation .