twelve o'clock
This accounted for the press on the bridge . At two or three hundred paces from the bridge , the idea of rushing forward and throwing myself into the midst of the crowd , entered my mind ; but Captain Vidal , Lieutenant Bretonville , and other old officers said : `` Shoot down the first man that leaves the ranks ! '' It was horrible to be so near safety , and yet unable to escape . This was between eleven and twelve o'clock . The fusillade grew nearer on the right and left , and a few bullets began to whistle over our heads . From the side of Halle we saw the Prussians rush pellmell out with our own soldiers . Terrible cries now arose from the bridge .