nine o'clock
The queen gave orders that she should receive the same attentions as though she were already a lady-in-waiting , made her take a bath and some hours ' rest , and engaged a carriage for her in the train for Frankfort . That city , meanwhile , was in consternation . General Roeder , with his staff , was waiting in the Council Hall for the payment required ; scales were ready for the weighing . At nine o'clock the gunners , match alight and in hand , came to take their places at the batteries . The deepest terror prevailed throughout the town . From the arrangements which they saw being made , the Frankforters judged that no mercy was to be expected from the Prussian generals . The whole population was shut up indoors waiting anxiously for the stroke of ten o'clock to announce the town 's doom .