six o'clock
He came back with the information that several men were going rapidly in the direction of Quebec , appearing very much excited , but that none seemed to be coming from the town . `` It may be late Blanche , '' said Zulma , `` before your grandfather returns , but I will wait another hour . Then we shall decide what to do . '' At six o'clock it was very dark and a slight snow-storm arose . Zulma was getting anxious . She could not make up her mind to leave the child all alone , and could not take her along without first seeing Batoche . On the other hand , she must return to Charlesbourg to avoid any needless anxiety on the part of her father .