twelve o'clock
cried the baker . We all knew that he was a clever man , cleverer than any of us , and we understood by his words that he was firmly convinced of the soldier 's victory ... . We were sad and uneasy . At twelve o'clock , during the dinner hour , the soldier came . He was , as usual , clean and smart , and , as usual , looked straight into our eyes . We felt awkward to look at him . `` Well , honorable gentlemen , if you wish , I can show you a soldier 's boldness , '' ... said he , smiling proudly .