five o'clock
An hour later , indeed , the whole Catholic force , horse and foot , were seen to march away by the road along which they had come . As soon as they did so , a trumpet summoned the defenders from the walls and house . The women and children also poured out into the courtyard and , the minister taking his place by the side of the countess on the steps of the chateau , a solemn service of thanksgiving to God , for their preservation from the danger that had threatened them , was held . It was now five o'clock , and the short winter day was nearly over . Many of the tenants would have started off to their farms , but Francois begged them to remain until next morning . `` The smoke told you what to expect , '' he said . `` You will find nothing but the ruins of your houses and , in this weather , it would be madness to take your wives and families out .