nine o'clock
The twilight retreated before the dark , but the regiment continued . Harry saw a dusky colonel on a dusky horse at the head of the line , and nearer by was Lieutenant-Colonel St. Hilaire , also riding , silent and stern . The Invincibles were weary . It was now nine o'clock , and they had marched many hours without a rest , but they did not dare to murmur , at least not loud enough to be heard by Colonel Leonidas Talbot and his lieutenant-colonel , Hector St. Hilaire . `` I wonder if this is going on all night , '' whispered Langdon . `` Very likely , '' returned Harry , `` but remember that everything is for the best . '' Langdon gave him a reproachful look , but trudged sturdily on .