eleven o’clock
Detachments of the national guards had to repair immediately to each gate and double-lock it . When they had returned , several members confessed that they really felt more comfortable ; and when Pierre remarked that the critical situation of the town imposed upon them the duty of remaining at their posts , some of them made arrangements with the view of spending the night in an arm-chair . Granoux put on a black silk skull cap which he had brought with him by way of precaution . Towards eleven o'clock , half of the gentlemen were sleeping round Monsieur Garconnet 's writing table . Those who still managed to keep their eyes open fancied , as they listened to the measured tramp of the national guards in the courtyard , that they were heroes and were receiving decorations . A large lamp , placed on the writing-table , illumined this strange vigil . All at once , however , Rougon , who had seemed to be slumbering , jumped up , and sent for Vuillet .