Half past eleven
cried Chester , `` if we do n't hurry we are likely to be too late ! '' Realizing that the lads -- for some reason unknown to him -- were in great haste , the sergeant , in spite of his recent gruffness , hurried them along . It was a considerable distance to the German commander 's headquarters , and Chester became nervous as the minutes flew by . Half past eleven came , and a quarter to twelve , and at last they came in sight of General Steinbach 's tent . They approached rapidly , and the sergeant inquired for the general . `` He has gone to witness the execution , '' was the reply . `` Where is the execution to take place ? ''