midday
Some of them were reclining carelessly on the grass , others were conversing in little groups , and in front of them all stood a solitary figure , a spare , well-proportioned man to appearances , in an unostentatious uniform , who yet asserted in some indefinable way his masterhood . It was the Prussian King , scarce half finger high , one of those miniature leaden toys that afford children such delight . Although he was not certain of this identity until later on the manufacturer found himself , by reason of some inexplicable attraction , constantly returning to that diminutive puppet , whose face , scarce larger than a pin 's head , was but a pale point against the immense blue sky . It was not midday yet , and since nine o'clock the master had been watching the movements , inexorable as fate , of his armies . Onward , ever onward , they swept , by roads traced for them in advance , completing the circle , slowly but surely closing in and enveloping Sedan in their living wall of men and guns . The army on his left , that had come up across the level plain of Donchery , was debouching still from the pass of Saint-Albert and , leaving Saint-Menges in its rear , was beginning to show its heads of columns at Fleigneux ; and , in the rear of the XIth corps , then sharply engaged with General Douay 's force , he could discern the Vth corps , availing itself of the shelter of the woods and advancing stealthily on Illy , while battery upon battery came wheeling into position , an ever-lengthening line of thundering guns , until the horizon was an unbroken ring of fire . On the right the army was now in undisputed possession of the valley of the Givonne ; the XIIth corps had taken la Moncelle , the Guards had forced the passage of the stream at Daigny , compelling General Ducrot to seek the protection of the wood of la Garenne , and were pushing up the right bank , likewise in full march upon the plateau of Illy .