midnight
`` Well , sir , what is ` t ? '' `` The Russian columns are in motion , Monsieur le Maréchal ; the artillery moving rapidly towards our right . '' `` _ Diantre ! _ it 's not much more than midnight ! Davoust , shall we awake the Emperor ? '' `` No , no , '' said a harsh voice , as a shrivelled , hard-featured man turned round from the blaze , and showing a head covered by a coarse woollen cap , looked far more like a pirate than a marshal of France ; `` they 'll not attack before day breaks . Go back , '' said he , addressing me ; `` observe the position well , and if there be any general movement towards the southward , you may report it . ''