four o'clock
Dogs close at hand barked shortly and then stopped enquiringly . Benham seemed to himself to be sitting alone for an interminable time . He lit another match and consulted his watch . It was four o'clock and nearly dawn ... . Then slowly and stumbling up the ladder the men began to return to Benham 's room . `` Ask them what it is , '' urged Amanda . But for a time not even Giorgio would understand Benham 's questions .