noon
However , the captain offered to let him dispense with riding ; but Heppner objected , and begged to be allowed to take part in the drill . He felt that would help him to shake off his unpleasant sensations ; an hour 's ride and he would be fresh again . A fine thing if a night 's dissipation could really upset a man like himself ! His commanding officer was pleased at such enthusiasm ; and as during the drill the deputy sergeant-major managed his horse -- the most troublesome of all the remounts -- exceedingly well , he remarked to him , `` Heppner , I think I shall be able to bring you some good news at noon . '' Afterwards it occurred to him that he had intended to raise objections to the colonel with regard to Heppner 's elevation to the rank of sergeant-major , but now that he had committed himself to the man this was no longer possible . He did just mention his doubts in the colloquy with Falkenhein , but he made no impression , and in the end the colonel himself covered the retreat . `` What do you expect , my dear Wegstetten ? ''