the hour ten o'clock, morning
The former far easier to endure ; she would sooner believe Clancy dead , than think of his traitorous defection . But she is ignorant of all that has occurred ; of the sanguinary scene enacted -- played out complete -- on the edge of the cypress swamp , and the sad one inside the house -- still continuing . Aware of the one , or witness of the other , while passing that lone cottage , as with wet eyes she takes a last look at its walls , she would still be shedding tears -- not of spite , but sorrow . The sun is up -- the hour ten o'clock , morning . Around the residence of the widow Clancy a crowd of people has collected . They are her nearest neighbours ; while those who dwell at a distance are still in the act of assembling . Every few minutes two or three horsemen ride up , carrying long rifles over their shoulders , with powder-horns and bullet-pouches strapped across their breasts .