midnight on
the 31st of December
`` That is again a plan altogether worthy of my Ulysses , '' said Gneisenau , smiling . `` It is all-important now for us to let every one , and above all Napoleon , know as soon as possible that we stay here . '' `` I will swear and rave so loudly that he will certainly hear it in Paris , '' said Blucher . `` Let us curse the necessity imposed on us , and secretly make all necessary dispositions , inform the commanders , and issue the orders , so that we may all cross the Rhine at midnight on the 31st of December . '' `` What ! The passage is to take place at midnight on the 31st of December ? '' asked Gneisenau .