the hour of six
The king , knowing this , was inclined to regard the shortcomings of the prince as a determined contempt and resistance to his command ; and as the prince became more reckless and more indifferent , he became more severe and harsh . Thus the struggle commenced that had existed for some time between the two brothers . For the last four days the prince had been in arrest for disobeying orders , but the hour of his release was approaching , and he awaited it with impatience . The bell of the nearest church had just announced the hour of six . The door opened immediately , and an officer , in the name of the king , pronounced his arrest at an end . The prince answered with a low bow , and remained seated , pointing haughtily to the door ; but as the officer left him he arose and paced hastily to and fro . `` He treats me like a school-boy , '' he murmured ; `` but I shall show him that I have a will of my own !