about nine in
the morning
`` When I think once about a thing , Gobelin , I 'm not much given to think again . But I tell you , I wish the boys no harm ; let them be soldiers now , and I pray God they may be good soldiers ; only , if I save a little money by hard work , I wo n't have them spend it among their comrades in strong drink ; it 'll be all the better for Annot , when I die , that 's all . '' In this resolution he remained fixed , and in this frame of mind he received his truant sons on their return to Echanbroignes on the Sunday morning . They entered the village together with Chapeau , about nine in the morning , having been met about a mile from the town , by four or five friends , who escorted them back . Annot was not there , for she was very busy at home , preparing breakfast for her brothers and lover . She at any rate was determined that the prodigal sons should be received with a fatted calf . Chapeau marched up through the village at the head of the little procession to bear the brunt of the father 's anger , as his station in life , and standing in the army made him feel superior even to the fury of old Michael Stein .