about eight o'clock
`` I was going to bring one along , but I forgot all about it . '' They rode on slowly , the old miner not wishing to reach the fork in the trail until it was quite dark . Fortunately it was clouding up , so that not even the stars would be left to betray them . `` We are coming to the fork , '' said Wumble , about eight o'clock . `` Keep your eyes peeled , lads , and if you see anything out of the ordinary , let me know at once . '' There was a tiny stream to cross , and then the way led around a series of sharp rocks . `` Keep to the grass as much as possible , '' cautioned the old miner in a voice that was a mere whisper .