nearly ten o'clock
But Strain did not . It was one thing for Loring to ignore him , but quite different when that officer failed to stand and deliver at the demand of Petty . Strain treated him with scant respect himself when the General was n't around , and had been heard to say that generals who allowed their wealthy relatives to dictate who should be their aids were foisting heavy loads upon the service . It was nearly ten o'clock ; his evening was spoiled . He was crabbed , therefore , and he spoke accordingly : `` Mr. Petty -- I -- mean Captain Petty . '' -LRB- Strain , who did n't get one , said a March '67 brevet was of no earthly account , and he for one proposed to ignore them -RRB- . `` May I ask what were your words when you -- you have given us Mr. Loring 's -- were communicating the General 's message to him ?