a quarter to five
They had remembered . It was then that Michael read the Colonel 's letter , and learned the manner of his brother 's death : '' ... About a quarter past four o'clock in the afternoon his battalion was being pressed back , when he rallied his men and led them in as gallant an attack as was ever made by so small a number in this War . He was standing on the enemy 's parapet when he was shot through the heart and fell . By a quarter to five the trench was stormed and taken , owing to his personal daring and impetus and to the affection and confidence he inspired ... . We hear it continually said of our officers and men that ` they 're all the same , ' and I daresay as far as pluck goes they are . But , if I may say so , we all felt that your son had something that we have n't got ... '' * * * * * Michael lay awake in the bed that had been his brother 's marriage bed . The low white ceiling sagged and bulged above him .