eleven o'clock
I 'm going to find out . '' `` We 're not far from Fontanelle now , '' said Mother Meraut ; `` do n't you think we 'd better go on ? '' `` We ca n't get there without stopping somewhere to eat , anyway , '' said Father Meraut . `` It 's already eleven o'clock , and I 'd rather find out about the soldiers than eat . '' So they tied the Ark to a willow tree and went ashore . In a moment more they were in a city of soldiers , and Father Meraut was making friends with some of the men who were lounging near the cook-house , sniffing the savory smell of soup which issued from it in appetizing gusts . Pierre and Pierrette sniffed too , and even Mother Meraut could not help saying appreciatively , `` That cook knows how to make soup . ''