eight o'clock
Even Strain , had he heard the account , would have riddled it -- Captain Moreland 's evidence was conclusive on that point -- and while Loring , in pity and compassion , might have left money with the man for comfort in his convalescence , it was incredible that he should have tendered payment as a bribe for silence . Strain 's exaggerated self-esteem was deeply wounded by the Engineer 's evident lack of appreciation of his greatness , and he would be glad indeed to bring him to heel , and convince him he would be wise in future to do homage instead of slight . And what made Loring 's indifference so exasperating was that Strain himself was forced to see that Loring was not only no fool , as he admitted , but a man of brains , courage and ability , which he would not concede aloud . Strain , sent for at eight o'clock by the department commander to listen to the aid 's wrathful account of the interview with Loring , fumed and fidgetted and strove to ask some questions to make matters clear , but Petty was already on the defensive and did not mean to be questioned , and the General kept interposing . `` Let him tell his tale his own way , Colonel . Let him give you the whole story , Monterey and all , '' and Strain , who had hoped to spend the evening with his cronies at the club and whist , was compelled to sit till long after nine and hear the details of Petty 's asininity . Stripped of unnecessary explanation , it seems that the General and Strain had decided that their dignity and prerogative had been invaded by the summary orders from Washington , which were at once a criticism of their action in not relieving Loring , and a demand for an immediate explanation as well as an implied threat that unless that report was entirely satisfactory Loring must be allowed to proceed .