twelve o'clock
Gradually the fires burned low -- the incessant downpour of rain so drenching the logs that it was impossible to keep them alight -- and the troops lay down , with their knapsacks under their heads , turned the capes of the greatcoats over their faces , and in spite of the deep soft mud below them , and the pouring rain above , soon sank to sleep . All night long a deep sound filled the air , telling of the heavy trains of artillery and ammunition wagons arriving from the rear to both armies . But nothing short of a heavy cannonade would have aroused the weary soldiers from their deep sleep . At twelve o'clock Ralph was called up , as his company had to relieve that which furnished the posts in front of the position of the regiment . The orders were not to fire unless fired upon . A third of the men were thrown out as sentries ; the others lay upon the ground , fifty yards in rear , ready to move forward to their support if necessary . Captain O'Connor left Ralph with the reserve , and himself paced up and down along the line of sentries , who were relieved every hour until morning broke , when the company rejoined the regiment .