three o’clock in the morning
It was one of the conditions of success that his presence at Bourg should remain unknown . He could hide at the Château des Noires-Fontaines and keep on the watch , but could he trust the servants ? Michel and Jacques would hold their tongues , Roland was sure of them ; but Charlotte , the jailer 's daughter , she might gossip . However , it was three o'clock in the morning , every one was asleep , and the safest plan was certainly to put himself in communication with Michel . Michel would find some way of concealing his presence . To the deep regret of his horse , who had no doubt scented a stable , Roland wheeled about and rode off in the direction of Pont-d'Ain . As he passed the church of Brou he glanced at the barrack of the gendarmes , where , in all probability , they and their captain were sleeping the sleep of the righteous .