seven o'clock
said the corporal , impatiently . `` They are making that place as strong as a fortress ; and there , see if that is not a reinforcement ! '' While he spoke , the heavy tramp of men marching announced the approach of fresh troops ; and by the bustle and noise within the farmhouse it was clear the preparations for its defence were making with all the activity the exigency demanded . It was past seven o'clock ; but as the day broke more out , the heavy fog increased , and soon grew so dense as to shut out from our view the Prussian picket and the guns upon the road . Meanwhile the firing continued at a distance , but , as it seemed , fainter than before . `` Ha ! there it comes now , '' said the corporal , as a shrill whistle was heard to our left .