ten o'clock
Throughout the night they went rumbling on their way at a pace whose sluggishness elicited many an oath from Crispin as he rode a few yards in the rear , ever watchful of the possibility of pursuit . But there was none , nor none need he have feared , since whilst he rode through the cold night , Gregory Ashburn slept as peacefully as a man may with the fever and an evil conscience , and imagined his dutiful daughter safely abed . With the first streaks of steely light came a thin rain to heighten Crispin 's discomfort , for of late he had been overmuch in the saddle , and strong though he was , he was yet flesh and blood , and subject to its ills . Towards ten o'clock they passed through Denham . When they were clear of it Cynthia put her head from the window . She had slept well , and her mood was lighter and happier . As Crispin rode a yard or so behind , he caught sight of her fresh , smiling face , and it affected him curiously .