About nine o'clock
The road along which we travelled was lonely and deserted , the country looked very desolate , and even after the sun had risen there were few people to be observed abroad . At that time I did not know what I afterwards learned , that our route lay through a district which had been swept bare again and again by the horrors of war . I Meet with an Exciting Adventure . About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt , and the troopers , well pleased at the prospect of refreshment , proceeded to stable the horses , while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house . The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation , but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully , and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal . Having seen them satisfactorily settled , I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not , when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me . Accordingly , after speaking a word to the sergeant , I went upstairs , and entered the room where they sat at table .