eight o’clock in the
evening
`` We 'll kill the horses if necessary , and be back at seven in the evening , in time to show ourselves at the opera . '' `` That will establish an alibi , '' observed d'Assas . `` Precisely , '' said Morgan , with his imperturbable gayety . `` How could men who applaud Mademoiselle Clotilde and M. Vestris at eight o'clock in the evening have been at Bar and Chatillon in the morning settling accounts with the conductor of a diligence ? Come , my sons , a last look at the map to choose our spot . '' The four young men bent over Cassini 's map . `` If I may give you a bit of topographical advice , '' said the courier , `` it would be to put yourselves in ambush just beyond Massu ; there 's a ford opposite to the Riceys -- see , there ! ''