a quarter before seven
Great secrecy had been observed in the preparations lest there might be a spy in the town , who , learning of the attempt , would communicate the valuable information to the Federal fleet , and so frustrate it . General Beauregard had caused the wharf to be cleared and guarded early in the evening . It was quite dark in February at six o'clock , and no one except his trusted staff officers and Lacy , who had so magnanimously surrendered his opportunity to Sempland , was present . At a quarter before seven , which was the time Sempland had appointed to return when he left in obedience to Fanny Glen 's summons , the general began to feel some uneasiness . He spoke about it to Lacy , but was reassured by that gentleman , who professed full confidence that the young lieutenant would undoubtedly be there in a few moments . He had already of his own motion despatched a soldier to Fanny Glen 's house and had learned from him the false news that Sempland had been there and had left . Lacy supposed he had returned to his quarters .