Four o'clock
As he was doing so one of the clocks on his back began to strike . He paused , and stood looking gravely at his superior officer . Another clock took up the tale and a third , while Barlasch sternly stood at attention . `` Four o'clock , '' he said to himself , `` and I , who have not yet breakfasted -- '' With a grunt and a salute he turned towards the door which stood open . Some one was coming up the stairs rather slowly , his spurs clinking , his scabbard clashing against the gilded banisters . Papa Barlasch stood aside at attention , and Colonel de Casimir came into the room with a gay word of greeting . Barlasch went out , but he did not close the door .