noon
Dark inky clouds lay motionless near the earth , whose surface became blacker by the shadow . A weighty and lowering atmosphere added to the gloom I felt , and neither in my heart within nor in the world without could I find one solitary consolation . At first I dreaded lest my companions should address me , -- a single question would have wrung my very soul ; but happily they maintained a rigid silence , nor did they even speak to each other during the entire journey . At noon we halted at a small roadside cabaret , where refreshments were provided , and relays of horses in waiting , and again set out on our way . The day was declining when we reached the Bois de Boulogne , and entered the long avenue that leads to the Barriere de l'Étoile . The heavy wheels moved noiselessly over the even turf , and , save the jingle of the troopers ' equipments , all was hushed . For above an hour we had proceeded thus , when a loud shout in front , followed by a pistol-shot , and then three or four others quickly after it , halted the party ; and I could mark through the uncertain light the mounted figures dashing wildly here and there , and plunging into the thickest of the wood .