noon
The sounds of galloping could be heard along the paved causeway ; then the challenge of the sentry at the gate ; then the nearer tread of approaching stops , and many voices speaking together , would seem to indicate that some messenger had arrived with despatches . At length all these sounds became hushed and still . No longer were the voices heard ; and except the measured tread of the heavy cuirassier , as he paced on the flags beneath , nothing was to be heard . My state of suspense , doubly greater now than when the noise and tumult suggested food for conjecture , continued till towards noon , when a soldier in undress brought me some breakfast , and told me to prepare speedily for the road . Scarcely had he left the room , when the rumbling noise of wagons was heard below , and a train of artillery carts moved into the little courtyard loaded with wounded men . It was a sad and frightful sight to see these poor fellows , as , crammed side by side in the straw of the _ charrette _ , they lay , their ghastly wounds opening with every motion of the wagon , while their wan , pale faces were convulsed with agony and suffering . Of every rank , from the sous-lieutenant to the humble soldier , from every arm of the service , from the heavy cuirassier of the guard to the light and intrepid tirailleur , they were there .