six o'clock
`` Let him tell his tale his own way , Colonel . Let him give you the whole story , Monterey and all , '' and Strain , who had hoped to spend the evening with his cronies at the club and whist , was compelled to sit till long after nine and hear the details of Petty 's asininity . Stripped of unnecessary explanation , it seems that the General and Strain had decided that their dignity and prerogative had been invaded by the summary orders from Washington , which were at once a criticism of their action in not relieving Loring , and a demand for an immediate explanation as well as an implied threat that unless that report was entirely satisfactory Loring must be allowed to proceed . They had spent an hour or more in the preparation of the telegram which finally caught the wires at six o'clock , presented their view of the case , represented that if Loring left it would be under a cloud , and that he should not now be allowed to leave , because of the fact that his having resorted to forbidden and insubordinate means to procure his release was in itself a virtual admission that he feared to stay and face the constantly recurring accusations . It was very adroitly and impressively worded , but still the General and chief-of-staff felt nervous and ill at ease . Down in their hearts both realized that nothing had been proved against Loring , and that the chances were ten to one that nothing ever could or would be . What was more , both were beginning to realize that Loring had been badly and shabbily treated .