five o'clock
But no door will open for them -- unless it be four days hence , one evening at the end of the rest , to return to the trenches . Alone in a corner , Cocon cowers . He is tormented by lice ; but weakened by the cold and wet he has not the pluck to change his linen ; and he sits there sullen , unmoving -- and devoured . As five o'clock draws near , in spite of all , Fouillade begins again to intoxicate himself with his dream of wine , and he waits , with its gleam in his soul . What time is it ? -- A quarter to five . -- Five minutes to five .