about ten o'clock
The Secretary of War walked up and down the room with his hands in his pockets , puffing away at a cigar . Both men avoided looking at each other ; neither wished the other to see how nervous he was . Both were listening intently for the sound of the telegraph-bell . `` A message arrived from Fort Bridger about ten o'clock , '' said the President after a long pause , `` to the effect that our captive balloons reported a change in the positions of the enemy 's left wing . This may mean -- '' `` Yes , it may mean -- '' repeated the Secretary of War mechanically . Then they both became silent once more , puffing vigorously at their cigars . `` Suppose it 's all in vain again , suppose the enemy -- '' began the Secretary of War , when he was interrupted by the ringing of the bell in the next room .