The hour of nine
Their appearance was greeted with cheers , as Harry was a universal favorite among both officers and men , on account of his lively and genial temper , combined with a fine voice for music -- an accomplishment that with soldiers endears , and makes a favorite of any person possessing it . He was soon called upon for a song , and in accordance with the request commenced a song , and soon the rich and clear voice of the young man rang out on the air of the soft twilight . He sang of home , and as each word fell with distinctness on the ears of the soldiers , who grouped around him , each heart throbbed with emotion , and each mind wandered back to the distant land , where , in the mansion , or in the little cottage , loved ones there dwelt , pining for those who were now prisoners in a foreign country . The hour of nine having arrived , the soldiers dispersed to their respective quarters , and soon after the command `` lights out '' was uttered in stentorian notes . Long and anxiously the two friends remained lying on their bunks in the tent , awaiting the hour of twelve . Each moment seemed an hour to Alfred Wentworth , whose mind was wrought up to a pitch of excitement , almost unendurable . Several times he rose from his bed and paced the tent .