The woodcutters have gone “for hours” to cut trees in the forest. They are expected to return by evening, when daylight fades and work in the forest usually ends.
Step 1: Identify the reference.
In the poem “The Tree Fell Down”, the speaker mentions people who have been away for hours.
Step 2: Understanding their work and return.
They have gone to work in the forest and are expected to come back in the evening after completing their task.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the phrase refers to woodcutters who will return by evening.