about seven o’clock
Michel went toward the town by the road to Pont-d'Ain , passing the church of Brou . Jacques crossed the Reissouse , followed the right bank of the little river , and found himself , after walking a few hundred yards beyond the town , at the sharp angle made by the parting of the three roads . Father and son reached their separate posts at about the same time . At this particular moment , that is to say , about seven o'clock , the stillness and solitude surrounding the Château des Noires-Fontaines was broken by the arrival of a post-chaise , which stopped before the iron gate . A servant in livery got off the box and pulled the chain of the bell . It was Michel 's business to open the gate , but Michel was away , as we know . Amélie and Charlotte probably counted on him , for the bell was rung three times before any one answered it .