two o'clock in the afternoon
If so , they would hasten to the bridge below , with the intention of cutting me off . I therefore started immediately on my way up the river road , resolved to put as much ground as possible between myself and my pursuers . I had no definite destination in view , but thought to gain some hiding-place where I might rest secure and think things over . It was now going on to two o'clock in the afternoon , and as I had not had anything to eat since the noon previous , I began to feel decidedly hungry . I felt in my pocket and discovered that I was the possessor of sixty-five cents , and with this amount of cash I did not see any reason for my remaining hungry any longer . Presently I came to a small , white cottage , upon the front porch of which was displayed the sign BOARDING Ascending the steps , I knocked at the door , and a comely , middle-aged woman answered my summons . `` I see that you take boarders here , '' I said , `` I am hungry , and several miles from any restaurant .