six o'clock
`` Here is our letter from Monsieur Gambetta to General Aurelles , '' Ralph said . `` It is directed to be opened by you , should he be absent . '' `` That is all right , '' the colonel said , when he had read it . `` My surprise at your appearance was natural , for the telegram we received this morning only said : '' ` The two Lieutenants Barclay will arrive , by six o'clock train . Their business is most important . Have a well-mounted officer of staff ready to accompany them through lines . ' `` I thought , of course , that you had orders to report on position of troops ; and felt , I admit , rather angry that Gambetta should wish to send subaltern officers to inspect matters concerning which he has full reports .