about half after three
A strange thing had happened at the old fort during the still watches of the night . Even now , at nine in the morning , no one seemed to be in possession of the exact circumstances . The officer of the day was engaged in an investigation , and all that appeared to be generally known was the bald statement that the sentry on `` Number Five '' had fired at somebody or other about half after three ; that he had fired by order of the officer of the day , who was on his post at the time ; and that now he flatly refused to talk about the matter . Garrison curiosity , it is perhaps needless to say , was rather stimulated than lulled by this announcement . An unusual number of officers were chatting about head-quarters when Colonel Maynard came over to his office . Several ladies , too , who had hitherto shown but languid interest in the morning music of the band , had taken the trouble to stroll down to the old quadrangle , ostensibly to see guard-mounting .