midnight
His own troops were advancing , but this advance did not , perhaps , represent more than a local gain . The line of battle was so extensive ! ... It was going to be as in 1870 ; the French would achieve partial victories , modified at the last moment by the strategy of the enemies until they were turned into complete defeat . After midnight the cannonading ceased , but silence was by no means re-established . Automobiles were rolling around the lodge midst hoarse shouts of command . It must be the hospital convoy that was evacuating the castle . Then near daybreak the thudding of horses ' hoofs and the wheels of chugging machines thundered through the gates , making the ground tremble .