two o'clock
However , they re-entered one by one , crawling , when the enemy had dislodged them from their hiding places . Their orders were to gain time and not show themselves , that the Prussians might remain in ignorance as to what force was before them . Another hour went by . As a sergeant arrived , saying that but two or three more men remained without , the captain glanced at his watch , muttering : `` Half-past two o'clock . We must hold the position four hours longer . '' He caused the great gate of the courtyard to be closed , and every preparation was made for an energetic resistance . As the Prussians were on the opposite side of the Morelle , an immediate assault was not to be feared .