three o'clock
And the oldest inhabitant , evoking in memory all the civic banquets that he had beheld at the Silver Lion , could truthfully declare that never at any one time had he seen so much wood burning and so much food cooking . Combette , a bustling , wizened little man , came in from the street in a great state of excitement from all that he had seen and heard . His position as deputy-mayor gave him facilities for knowing what was going on . It was about half-past three o'clock when MacMahon had telegraphed Bazaine that the Crown Prince of Prussia was approaching Chalons , thus necessitating the withdrawal of the army to the places along the Belgian frontier , and further dispatches were also in preparation for the Minister of War , advising him of the projected movement and explaining the terrible dangers of their position . It was uncertain whether or not the dispatch for Bazaine would get through , for communication with Metz had seemed to be interrupted for the past few days , but the second dispatch was another and more serious matter ; and lowering his voice almost to a whisper the apothecary repeated the words that he had heard uttered by an officer of rank : `` If they get wind of this in Paris , our goose is cooked ! '' Everyone was aware of the unrelenting persistency with which the Empress and the Council of Ministers urged the advance of the army . Moreover , the confusion went on increasing from hour to hour , the most conflicting advices were continually coming in as to the whereabouts of the German forces .