noon
The men must gather bundles of firewood , and must attack in three columns ; the principal against the great gate , the others against the two posterns ; the one at the back of the house itself , the other nearest the angle where the wall joins it . If we had time to construct machines for battering the walls , it would be an easy business ; but that is out of the question . In a couple of days , at the latest , we shall have them coming out like a swarm of hornets from La Rochelle . It is not likely , when they had all their measures so well prepared , that they omitted to send off word at once to Coligny ; and by tomorrow , at noon , we may have Conde and the Admiral upon us . Therefore we must make an end of this , by nightfall . `` Have you any better plans to suggest , gentlemen ? '' There was no reply .