nine o'clock
By this time the day was well spent . Several of the garrison had been killed , and a number were wounded . These last called piteously for water , and gazed with longing eyes at the limitless expanse of the lake , so near at hand and yet so hopelessly remote . By sunset the well-diggers were in moist earth , before nine o'clock the wounded were eagerly quaffing a muddy liquid that gave them new life , and by midnight two feet of water stood in the well . During the night , although the enemy 's fire was slackened , it never entirely ceased . Balls of blazing pitch were discharged at frequent intervals , and no moment of rest was allowed the weary garrison . At daybreak , exulting cries from the rear , and a ruddy glow , announced some new cause for anxiety .