one o’clock in the morning
It was difficult to say what should be done , and much time was spent in deliberation -- so confused were the ideas of all . We , finally , lightened the box by removing two thirds of its contents , when we were enabled , with some trouble , to raise it from the hole . The articles taken out were deposited among the brambles , and the dog left to guard them , with strict orders from Jupiter neither , upon any pretence , to stir from the spot , nor to open his mouth until our return . We then hurriedly made for home with the chest ; reaching the hut in safety , but after excessive toil , at one o'clock in the morning . Worn out as we were , it was not in human nature to do more immediately . We rested until two , and had supper ; starting for the hills immediately afterwards , armed with three stout sacks , which , by good luck , were upon the premises . A little before four we arrived at the pit , divided the remainder of the booty , as equally as might be , among us , and , leaving the holes unfilled , again set out for the hut , at which , for the second time , we deposited our golden burthens , just as the first faint streaks of the dawn gleamed from over the tree-tops in the East .