about ten in the morning before
The main body of the army was quiet , but to the left , where some woods and houses gave cover to the enemy , the fire be came galling , and some light infantry were sent out to make an end of the foes there , to take and burn the houses and scatter the marksmen . This was successfully done , and again there was quiet . Wolfe , who seemed to be everywhere at once , went round the field once again , cheered lustily wherever he appeared ; grave , watchful , with the air of a man who knows that the crisis of his life is at hand , and that upon the issue of the day hang results greater than he can reckon or comprehend . It was about ten in the morning before his quick eye saw signs that the enemy was at last advancing to take up the gage of battle so gallantly thrown down . Hitherto the French had succeeded in avoiding a pitched encounter with their foe ; now they must fight , or have their city hopelessly cut off from the basis of their supplies . Wolfe knew that at last the hour had come , and his pale face flushed with a strange exultation as he saw the first white lines advancing towards him . `` At last ! ''