about four in the evening
cried she obstinately ; `` I shall not let you go ; you shall fly to the woods with Jean Kraft , Louis Bême , and all our bravest fellows ; you shall go to the mountains -- to Switzerland , and Catharine and I will go with you and remain until this destruction of men is ended . '' Then Aunt Grédel became silent . Instead of giving us an ordinary dinner , she gave us a better one than on Catharine 's birthday , and said , with the air of one who has taken a resolution : `` Eat , my children , and fear not ; there will soon be a change ! '' I returned about four in the evening to Phalsbourg , somewhat calmer than when I set out . But as I went up the Rue de la Munitionnaire , I heard at the corner of the college the drum of the _ sergent-de-ville _ , Harmantier , and I saw a throng gathered around him . I ran to hear what was going on , and I arrived just as he began reading a proclamation . Harmantier read that , by the _ senatus-consultus _ of the 3d , the drawing for the conscription would take place on the 15th .