nearly seven o’clock
In this manner they reached the square in front of the Town Hall . There they formed a group round Rougon , and took counsel together once more . In the facade of the building in front of them only one window was lighted . It was now nearly seven o'clock and the dawn was approaching . After a good ten minutes ' discussion , it was decided to advance as far as the door , so as to ascertain what might be the meaning of this disquieting darkness and silence . The door proved to be half open . One of the conspirators thereupon popped his head in , but quickly withdrew it , announcing that there was a man under the porch , sitting against the wall fast asleep , with a gun between his legs .