ten o'clock
Pablo had finished his breakfast and brought Billy to the door before Humphrey had finished his letter . As soon as it was written and folded Pablo set off as fast as Billy could go to the other side of the forest . Humphrey continued on the look-out during the whole day , with his gun on his arm , and his two dogs by his side ; for he knew the dogs would give notice of the approach of any one , long before he might see them ; but nothing occurred during the whole day ; and when the evening closed in he barricaded the doors and windows , and remained on the watch with the dogs , waiting for the coming of the robbers , or for the coming of the party which he expected would be sent by the Intendant to take them . Just as it was dark Pablo returned with a note from Edward saying that he would be over by ten o'clock , with a large party . Humphrey had said in his letter that it would be better that any force sent by the Intendant should not arrive till after dark , as the robbers might be near and perceive them , and then they might escape ; he did not therefore expect them to come till some time after dark . Humphrey was reading a book -- Pablo was dozing in the chimney-corner -- the two girls had retired into their room and had lain down on the bed in their clothes -- when the dogs both gave a low growl . `` Somebody come , '' said Pablo , starting up .