seven o'clock
On reaching the summit the command , halt ! started at the front and ran down the column ; the men were cautioned not to leave the ranks , arms were ordered , and there they remained , the heavy knapsacks forming a grievous burden to weary shoulders . It was evident that they were on a plateau , but to discern localities was out of the question ; twenty paces was the extreme range of vision . It was now seven o'clock ; the sound of firing reached them more distinctly , other batteries were apparently opening on Sedan from the opposite bank . `` Oh ! I , '' said Sergeant Sapin with a start , addressing Jean and Maurice , `` I shall be killed to-day . '' It was the first time he had opened his lips that morning ; an expression of dreamy melancholy had rested on his thin face , with its big , handsome eyes and thin , pinched nose .