nine o'clock
`` As long as we keep headed for them we will be all right . '' `` That ought to be easy enough , '' exclaimed Leon . Suddenly the command was passed down the line for every man to be ready . Leon glanced at his watch ; it was just nine o'clock . Every knapsack was hoisted to its owner 's back and guns in hand the men began to file along the trench . Thicker and ever faster the shells rained down . The French guns roared continuously , doing their utmost to clear the way for the infantry which was to sally forth so soon .