nearly four in the morning
At a signal from John the cords were again brought into play , and the cloth exhibited . At this sight they pleaded for mercy , and promised to do as John requested . They were released and conducted to the outer line of pickets , and quickly disappeared within the village . It was now nearly four in the morning , and the first streaks of light began to show in the east . Muro knew the Tuolo character . They regarded themselves to be the superiors of all the tribes , and hitherto had treated the others with contempt , excepting the Illyas , whom they respected only because they were the most powerful . `` They are having a warm time discussing the situation , '' remarked John , as he noted the surging inhabitants .