seven o'clock
But Fred said , still hesitating : `` If -- if I ca n't do anything to repay you , I 'd rather go on . I was making for Cheslow . I 'll get a job -- '' `` You wait here as you 're told , boy , '' snapped Uncle Jabez , and the runaway shrank into his chair again and said nothing more . Breakfast at the Red Mill was always early ; it had been finished before seven o'clock on this clear winter morning . It was a fine day when the sun appeared , and Ruth 's mind -- at least , a _ part _ of it ! -- delighted in the thought of the journey to be taken into the great woods to the north and east of Osago Lake . She had several little things to do in preparation ; therefore she could not be blamed if she lost sight of Fred Hatfield occasionally .