nine o'clock
Weary as he was , and owing to the broken ground , his progress was exceedingly slow , and night had fully shut her black curtain down before he reached the edge of the lake . Then he was forced to proceed at a snail 's pace , lest he inadvertantly walked into one of the small streams ; but he continued manfully on until it was no longer possible to take another step . Now came the alarming knowledge that he was lost . Had he been going in the right direction he should have reached the lake before sunset , and it could not then be less than nine o'clock . He was no longer able to find the stream which had served him as guide , and stretched himself on the ground at the foot of a gigantic tree feeling as if it made but little difference whether he ever arose again or not . In utter despair he remained silent and motionless until slumber came to his relief , and he remained wrapped in blissful unconsciousness for several hours . When he awoke it was yet dark , and he was benumbed with the chill which came from the damp earth .