nine o'clock
They rejoiced at the prospect of the return of their two leaders , and they felt proud of having taken part in such an exploit as the capture of the chief men of the dreaded parliament of Toulouse . Four of them kept a vigilant guard over the prisoners . The rest ate their breakfast with great gusto , and laughed and joked at the angry faces of some of their prisoners . It was just nine o'clock when a small group of horsemen were seen in the distance . `` I think there are six of them , sir , '' Eustace said . `` That is the right number , Eustace . The lady is doubtless riding behind her husband .