two o'clock
`` But you must know that this young officer , of whom I feel so proud , is an old pupil of mine , and received his education at my feet . I consequently feel a more than usual interest in him . But come , we lose-time . It is now past two o'clock , and , if I do n't mistake , there 's a bit of cold ham and chicken to be had , and my walk has prepared me for lunch , as it usually does , and besides , Martha , there 's an old friend of mine , his father , waiting for our return , to whom I must introduce you both , ladies , as a sample of the fine old soldier , who is a capital version of human nature . '' On reaching the cottage they found our worthy friend , old Sam Roberts , in the garden , throwing crumbs of bread to a busy little flock of sparrows , behind one of the back windows that opened into it . His honest but manly face was lit up with all the eager and boisterous enjoyment of a child whilst observing with simple delight the fierce and angry quarrels of the parents , as they fought on behalf of their young , for the good things so providentially cast in their way . `` Come , now , '' said Sam , `` I 'm commissary-general for this day , and , for a miracle , an honest one -- fight fair , you wretches -- but I do n't wonder at the spunk you show , for the rations , I can tell you , are better , poor things , than you are accustomed to .