three o'clock in
the morning
While the ladies were removing their furs , which were sodden with the melting snow , the farmer 's wife was preparing a rough but ample meal of warm provender in the kitchen . Such is hospitality in the Far North-West . When the supper was prepared the travellers sat down to the substantial fare . None were hungry -- be it remembered that it was three o'clock in the morning -- but each felt that some pretense in that direction must be made , or the kindly couple would think their welcome was insufficient . `` An ' what made you venture on the trail on such a night ? '' asked old Norton , as he poured out a joram of hot whiskey for each of the men . `` A moral cert , you would n't strike Foss River in such a storm . ''