six o’clock
Once or twice had temper nearly failed them , and the cry ran through the ranks , `` Are we never to move forward ? Only let us at them ! '' But the word was not yet spoken which was to undam the pent-up torrent , and bear down with unrelenting vengeance upon the now exulting columns of the enemy . It was six o'clock ; the battle had continued with unchanged fortune for three hours . The French , masters of La Haye Sainte , could never advance farther into our position . They had gained the orchard of Hougoumont ; but the château was still held by the British Guards , although its blazing roof and crumbling walls made its occupation rather the desperate stand of unflinching valor than the maintenance of an important position . The smoke which hung upon the field rolled in slow and heavy masses back upon the French lines , and gradually discovered to our view the entire of the army .