six o’clock
From poetry the conversation passed to poets in general . The Commandant observed that they were all debauchees and drunkards , and advised me , as a friend , to renounce poetry as contrary to the service , and leading to nothing good . As the pretence of Alexis was to me insupportable , I hastened to take leave of the family . In my own apartment I examined my sword , tried its point , and went to bed , having ordered Saveliitch to wake me in the morning at six o'clock . The next day at the appointed time I was behind the haystack awaiting my adversary , who did not fail to appear . `` We may be surprised , '' he said ; `` be quick . '' We laid aside our uniforms , drew our swords from the scabbards , when Ignatius , followed by five pensioners , came out from behind a haystack .