6 o'clock
Chester became silent . He knew that an argument was useless . Besides , he knew that in Hal 's position his own actions would be the same . It was shortly after 6 o'clock that evening when two French officers made their way to the quarters to which the boys had been assigned . `` Choose swords , '' said Hal laconically , as Chester rose to greet the callers . `` Mr. Paine , '' queried one of the Frenchmen politely . `` No , '' replied Chester ; `` but I shall act for him . ''