three o'clock before
But on Napoleon still all eyes were bent . The general who led their armies to victory , the monarch who raised France to the proudest place among the nations , was there , within a few paces of them . Each word he spoke was sinking deeply into some heart , prouder of that moment than of rank or riches . So slow was the Emperor 's progress along the ranks that it was near three o'clock before he had arrived at the extremity of the line . The cavalry were now ordered to form in squadrons , and move past in close order . While this movement was effecting , a cannon-shot at the _ barrière _ announced the approach of the convoy . The cavalry were halted in line once more , and the same moment the first wagon of the train appeared above the summit of the hill .