five o'clock
A heavy , dense fog clothed every object around , through which only the watchfires were visible , as they flared with a yellow , hazy light of unnatural size . The position of these signals was only to mark the inequality of the ground : and I now could perceive that we occupied the crest of a long and steep hill , down the sides and at the bottom of which fires were also burning ; while in front another mountain arose , whose summit for a great distance was marked out by watchfires . This I conjectured , from its extent and position , to be the Prussian line . At the front of the Emperor 's quarters several led horses were standing , whose caparison bespoke them as belonging to the staff ; and although not yet five o'clock , there was an appearance of movement which indicated preparation . The troops , however , were motionless ; the dense columns covered the ground like a garment , and stirred not . As I stood , uncertain what course to take , I heard the noise of voices and the heavy tramp of many feet near , and on turning perceived it was the Emperor , who came forth from his tent , followed by several of his staff . A large fire blazed in front of his bivouac , which threw its long light on the group ; where , even in a fleeting glance , I recognized General Gazan , and Nansouty , the commander of the Cuirassiers of the Guard .