noon
The garrison could do nothing to save the buildings , as their efforts , in the absence of water , must be unavailing , and they would have been shot down by the foe lying beyond the circle of light . They therefore remained lying behind the entrenchment , firing wherever they heard the slightest sound , and momentarily expecting an attack ; but morning came without the French advancing , and the garrison were then able to give their whole attention to saving the buildings in the fort . Some great wood stacks had now ignited , and the burning embers fell thickly on the huts , and for some hours it was only by the greatest exertions that the troops were able to save the buildings from destruction . Every moment they expected to be attacked , for , had the French advanced , the huts must have been left to themselves , in which case the garrison would have found themselves shelterless , and all their provisions and stores would have been consumed ; but before noon the danger was over , for not only had the fires begun to burn low , but a heavy snow storm set in . All day it continued . `` Now would be the time for them to attack , '' James Walsham said to his lieutenant . `` We can scarce see twenty yards away . ''