nine o'clock
Then the ladies , Mrs. Ray and her charming next door neighbor , appeared , and the general adjourned the conference forthwith , and went with them to the parlor . `` Say nothing more , '' Ray found time to whisper . `` You 'll understand it all in twenty minutes . '' And at nine o'clock the little party was on its way through the sharp and wintry night , the general and Captain Blake , side by side , ahead , the aide-de-camp and Mr. Field close following . Dr. Waller , who had been sent for , met them near the office . The sentries at the guard-house were being changed as the five tramped by along the snapping and protesting board walk , and a sturdy little chap , in fur cap and gauntlets , and huge buffalo overcoat , caught sight of them and , facing outward , slapped his carbine down to the carry -- the night signal of soldier recognition of superior rank as practised at the time . `` Tables are turned with a vengeance , '' said the general , with his quiet smile .