five o’clock
`` What do you mean ? '' `` I mean that there will soon be blood on the ground , and that you will walk in it , as you did last night . '' D'Epernon became deadly pale , and , moving away , he seated himself at some distance from Chicot . The combat began as five o'clock struck , and for a few minutes nothing was heard but the clashing of swords ; not a blow was struck . At last Schomberg touched Ribeirac in the shoulder , and the blood gushed out ; Schomberg tried to repeat the blow , but Ribeirac struck up his sword , and wounded him in the side . `` Now let us rest a few seconds , if you like , '' said Ribeirac . Quelus , having no dagger , was at a great disadvantage ; for he was obliged to parry with his left arm , and , as it was bare , on each occasion it cost him a wound .