nearly four o'clock
`` Minnetaki ! '' shot back Rod with unblushing honesty . In another minute he was outside , straightening his disheveled garments and smoothing his tousled hair . It was still very dark , but Rod assured himself by his watch that it was nearly four o'clock . Mukoki had already placed their breakfast on a flat rock beside the fire and , according to Wabigoon 's previous scheme , no time was lost in disposing of it . Dawn was just breaking when the little cavalcade of adventurers set out from the camp . More keenly than ever Rod now felt the loss of his rifle .