four
o'clock
The old seaman dozed as he sat on the doorstep , while dawn came up and the world grew bright ; and the little birds returned , fearfully at first , to finish their breakfast , and at last made bold to hop close to his feet . After a time some one else came and stood in the open door behind him . `` Why , father ! seems to me you 've got an early start ; ' t ai n't but four o'clock . I thought I was foolish to get up so soon , but ' t wa 'n' t so I could sleep . '' `` No , darter . '' The old man smiled as he turned to look at her , wide awake on the instant . '' '