five in the morning in July
`` In the stables , by the sound of it , my lady , '' was his answer . His lady turned without a word , going straight for the stables ; and he followed when , recollecting him , she looked back to say , `` Yes -- come ! '' Grooms are early risers in a well-kept stable . There is always something to be done , involving pails , or straps , or cloths , or barrows , or brushes , even at five in the morning in July . When the young gardener , running on ahead , jangled at the side-gate yard-bell , more than one pair of feet was on the move within ; and there was the cry of the dog , sure enough , almost articulate with keen distress about some unknown wrong . `` What _ is _ the dog , Archibald ? -- what _ is _ the dog ? ''