about eight o'clock
`` The gullies are so deep you ca n't get there except that one way , '' declared Frank . `` Even the Yankees could n't find you there , '' asserted Willy . `` I do n't believe anybody could , after that ; but I trust they will never have to try , '' laughed their Cousin Belle , with an anxious look in her bright eyes at the mere thought . That night they were at supper , about eight o'clock , when something out-of-doors attracted the attention of the party around the table . It was a noise , -- a something indefinable , but the talk and mirth stopped suddenly , and everybody listened . There was a call , and the hurried steps of some one running , just outside the door , and Lucy Ann burst into the room , her face ashy pale . `` The yard 's full o ' mens -- Yankees , '' she gasped , just as the General and Hugh rose from the table .