midnight
The answer must be sent here to the general without delay . '' With a low bow General von Knesebeck left the cabinet . An hour later the electric wire bore his despatch to Vienna . The night fell ; restless and sleepless the general watched the sun which only at midnight sank for a short time below the horizon , and soon reappeared , mingling the twilight of evening with the morning dawn . At noon a secretary arrived from Prince Gortschakoff and brought him a sealed letter . The general hastily broke the seal with its large double eagles , and in the neatest handwriting saw the reply to his despatch . It ran thus : `` The king can not trade upon the succession to Brunswick , which will devolve upon himself and his heirs , by right of family inheritance , and the lawful transmission of land .