eight o'clock in the morning
`` It 's too bad , '' repeated he , `` we can have no out-of-door play this afternoon ; '' and as he spoke his face wore a most rueful expression . I was one among a number of Harry 's schoolmates who had gone to spend the day at the farm of Mr. Knights , Harry 's father . The eldest of our number was not more than fourteen ; and for a long time we had looked forward to this day with many bright anticipations of fun and enjoyment . The important day at length arrived , and so early did we set out upon our excursion that we reached Harry 's home before eight o'clock in the morning . We spent the forenoon in rambling over the farm , searching out every nook and corner which possessed any interest to our boyish minds . Accompanied by Harry we visited all his favorite haunts -- which included a fine stream of water , where there was an abundance of fish ; also a ledge of rocks which contained a curious sort of cave , formed by a wide aperture in the rocks ; and , last though `` not least , '' a pond of water which , owing to its extreme beauty of appearance , Harry had named the `` Enchanted Pond . '' He had said so much to us regarding the uncommon beauty of the spot that some of the boys , myself among the number , had often been inclined to ridicule him ; but when we came within view of it , I for one ceased to wonder at his admiration ; for before nor since , I never looked upon so lovely a scene .