ten o'clock
They were to wait until he summoned them . Toward half-past nine two couriers rode at full speed into the town , announcing his majesty 's near arrival . The civic authorities , the governor , and the garrison formed themselves in ranks on either side of the road , leaving a passage for the royal procession . At ten o'clock the king appeared at the foot of the hill ; he had mounted his horse when they had taken their last relays . He never neglected an opportunity of doing so , especially when entering towns , as he rode admirably . The queen-mother followed him in a litter ; fifty gentlemen belonging to the court , richly clad and admirably mounted , followed in their suite . A company of the guards , followed by Crillon himself , a hundred and twenty of the Swiss , and as many of the Scotch guards , commanded by Larchant , and all the members of the royal household who accompanied the king in his excursions , mules , coffers , and domestic servants , formed a numerous army , the files of which followed the windings of the road leading from the river to the summit of the hill .