six in the morning
As we left the place Chun Wa stood by the gate , dignified , and grave as usual . In one hand he held his kite , and in the other a paper flower , and he gave this flower to Lieskov . Next day we arrived at another village , and from there we were sent still further on , to a place whence , from the hills , all the fighting that was going on in the centre of that big battle was visible . From half-past six in the morning until sunset the noise of the artillery never ceased , and all night long there was a rattle of rifle firing . The troops which were in front drew each day nearer to us . Another two days passed ; the battery took part in the action , some of the men were killed , and some of the men and the officers were wounded , and we retreated to the River Sha-Ho . Then just as we thought a final retreat was about to take place , a retreat right back to Mukden , we recrossed the river , took part in another action , and then a great stillness came .