six o'clock
in the morning
Downright mountain-artillery I call it ! '' he growled in conclusion . But it was impossible to oppose the express orders of the captain . On August 30 the battery was ready in the barrack square at six o'clock in the morning to start for the manœuvres . Shortly after reveille various rumours had been current in the stables and in the barrack-rooms that something had happened at the Heppners ' ; and just as the men were getting into their places the news spread from one to the other that the sergeant-major 's wife was dead . As this was a private and personal matter , it could not give cause for the slightest delay . Heppner , of course , remained at home for the funeral , and Käppchen meanwhile took over his duties as sergeant-major .