seven
o'clock
Nanette Flower was indeed gone . Yet for nearly an hour she stood alone in her conviction . Her husband quickly cautioned silence , and , going forth , gave instructions to the couriers that sent them speeding for the Rawlins road . But at seven o'clock Mrs. Hay herself appeared and asked to see the general , who was taking at the moment his accustomed bracer , tonic and stimulant , -- the only kind he was ever known to use -- a cold bath . So it was to Mrs. Dade , in all apparent frankness and sincerity , the trader 's wife began her tale . Everyone at Frayne well knew that her anxiety as to the outcome of the battle on the Elk had well nigh equalled that of the wives and sweethearts within the garrison . While her niece , after the first day 's excitement , kept to her room , the aunt went flitting from house to house , full of sympathy and suggestion , but obviously more deeply concerned than they had ever seen her .