midnight before
Broussard would have given all of his other possessions at Fort Blizzard if he could have made Anita a gift of the horse , but the next best thing to do was , to sell him to her father . Broussard felt sure that Anita would ride Gamechick and there was much solid comfort in that , for an officer 's charger , which carries him in life and is led behind his coffin in death , is near and dear to him . So , Broussard lost not a moment in accepting the Colonel 's offer for Gamechick . It was quite midnight before Broussard , with the assistance of his soldier attendant , had got those of his belongings which he intended to take with him sorted out and packed up . He dismissed the man and in the midst of his disordered sitting-room settled himself for his last cigar before turning in for the night . At that moment he heard a tap at the door , and opening it , Lawrence was standing on the threshold . He entered , taking off his cap and loosening his heavy uniform greatcoat .