about five o'clock in
the afternoon
`` Will you , then , without earning anything , go a long way for me this very night ? '' `` Oh , wo n't I , _ Herr _ , if you wish it ? '' The next day the village of Schranden received an unexpected visitation that proved no small shock to its inhabitants . At about five o'clock in the afternoon two coaches appeared in the village street each of which contained half-a-dozen occupants , young fellows in Jäger uniforms , with their muskets slung over their shoulders from wide leather belts . In the first coach there was also a female occupant , who , the moment the horses ' heads turned in the direction of the space opposite the church , alighted with a wild leap , and scudded away towards the Castle . Every Schrandener recognised in her the deceased Baron 's sweetheart , but all were too much taken aback to think of following her . The coaches halted before the Black Eagle , the windows of which were eagerly opened , and before the strangers had moved from their seats , an enthusiastic welcome was extended to them .