about noon
He saw the Arabs in turbans and flowing robes , and black soldiers from Senegal , and seeing these men from far African deserts he knew that France was rallying her strength for a supreme effort . The German Empire , with the flush of unbroken victory in war after war , could command the complete devotion of its sons , but the French Republic , without such triumphs as yet , could do as well . John felt an immense pride because he , too , was republican to the core , and often there was a lot in a name . It was about noon now , and the sun was shining with dazzling brilliancy . The tall hill and the low hill were clothed in deep green , and the waters of the little river that ran between , sparkled in the light . The air was crisp with a cool wind that blew from the west , and John felt that the omens were good for the great mysterious movement which he believed to be at hand . He looked into the tent and saw that Lannes was sleeping soundly , with a good color in his face .