midnight
In fine , he put himself in various strange attitudes , puffed like a porpoise in an head sea , and began swearing as never general swore before , that the wretch who disturbed him of his slumbers should suffer for it at court martial . As the time for forming the brigade was near at hand , the aid very naturally became more and more anxious . `` Pardon me this liberty , your honor , '' said he , addressing his superior , who was rubbing a pair of swollen and very red eyes , `` but the regiments are waiting orders , and as the hour is late , the officers will be in much suspense until they are issued . '' `` Order them , '' replied the general , `` to get to their families , keep respectable for the rest of the day , and then let them defy the devil with their good behavior , for it is not yet light , and in all my military experience -LRB- and I have had more than most men -RRB- I never heard of a general being called up at midnight to review troops . Get ye away to them , sir , and if they be not content with this order , tell them the fault 's none of mine ; for if the devil come , you must not disturb my sleep . '' `` It is my duty to carry your order , general , '' rejoined the colonel , again touching his hat , `` but I am sure it will not be obeyed , for I have heard it said that the seventh regiment have a commendable fear of the devil , and would rather have nothing to do with him . '' The distinguished French gentleman was so puzzled at the conduct of his superior officer , that he stood shrugging his shoulders , lifting his mustache , and contorting his face into every imaginable expression .