five o'clock
shouted Captain Brocq , as a violent blow from his clenched fist made the scattered papers on his bureau tremble . `` By Heaven ! It is impossible ! '' When he found himself alone , sadly alone in his little flat , Brocq saw it was five o'clock , and more than time to start for the Ministry of War . Hastily putting on overcoat and hat , he had hurried into his study to look for the big leather portfolio he always carried when taking his work from the office to his own home . Owing to his special knowledge of fortress artillery Brocq had been requested to put the finishing touches to a confidential report on the defences of the eastern forts of Paris and the distribution of the effective forces of the companies of mechanics in time of mobilisation . He had searched feverishly in his drawers for this report , which was of no great bulk .