the hour of ten
`` When you have supped , '' Albert said , `` see that you stuff your saddle-bags and ours with food for Van Voorden 's household first , and then for those who most need it . '' The meals were soon eaten . As they were about to mount Van Artevelde said to them : `` There will be no lack of provisions to-morrow , for in two hours a great train of waggons , loaded with provisions , will start under a strong guard , and to-morrow at daybreak herds of cattle will be brought in and driven there ; you may be sure also that the rivers will be open as soon as the news is known , for none will now venture to interfere with those bringing food into Ghent . '' The councillor was ready , and in a few minutes they had passed out of the city , and were galloping along the road to Ghent , just as the bell of the cathedral tolled the hour of ten . Two hours later , without having once checked the speed of their horses , they heard the bells ringing midnight in Ghent . In ten minutes they approached the gate , and were challenged from the walls . `` I am the Councillor Moens , '' the knights ' companion shouted .