eight o'clock
There was but little sleeping done in the fort that night . The majority of the soldiers slept on their arms , expecting an alarm at any moment . Yet it did not come , and the sun rose on a scene of perfect peace and quiet . But at eight o'clock a sentinel announced a horseman approaching , bearing a white flag . `` So they want to talk , eh ? '' said the young captain . `` All right , anything to gain time . ''