About two in the morning
Nevertheless , moved by a singular gleam of caution , she caught a portion of it from the flames , tore off the five first lines , which compromised no one , and sewed them into the hem of her dress . Terrified at the thought that the prisoner had been without food for twenty-four hours , she resolved to carry bread , meat , and wine to him at once ; curiosity was well as humanity permitting no delay . Accordingly , she heated her oven and made , with her mother 's help , a _ pate _ of hare and ducks , a rice cake , roasted two fowls , selected three bottles of wine , and baked two loaves of bread . About two in the morning she started for the forest , carrying the load on her back , accompanied by Couraut , who in all such expeditions showed wonderful sagacity as a guide . He scented strangers at immense distances , and as soon as he was certain of their presence he returned to his mistress with a low growl , looking at her fixedly and turning his muzzle in the direction of the danger . Marthe reached the pond about three in the morning , and left the dog as sentinel on the bank . After half an hour 's labor in clearing the entrance she came with a dark lantern to the door of the cave , her face covered with a mask , which she had found , as directed , on the steps .