twelve o’clock
The news brought from Mittau and from Brittany had put them at ease . Each man felt that he was free , and , knowing that the struggle had been a hopeless one , he rejoiced in his liberty . There was therefore a full meeting at the grotto of Ceyzeriat , almost a fête . At twelve o'clock the Companions of Jehu were to separate , and each one , according to his facilities , was to cross the frontier and leave France . We know how their leader employed his last moments . The others , who had not the same ties of the heart , were supping together in the broad open space of the quarry , brilliantly illuminated -- a feast of separation and farewell ; for , once out of France , the Vendée and Brittany pacificated , Condé 's army destroyed , who knew when and where they should meet again in foreign lands . Suddenly the report of a shot fell upon their ears .