eight o'clock
The three men were flat on their backs under the absorber , patching leaks , when they heard the squeak of the wagon and the soft tread of horses ' hoofs in the sand . They made no attempt to greet him . The next morning , however , Roger plodded up to the ranch house to consult with Dick about the moving of the oil . Although it was close to eight o'clock , Dick was just finishing breakfast . He was cheerful and talkative . `` Do n't try to use horses , '' he urged . `` There 's old Rabbit Tail lives ten miles over the range .