seven o'clock
The coachman sat as rigidly and stiffly on the box as worthy Thomas , and the storm played with his cloak , and threw the snow into his face , precisely in the same manner . A patrol marched across the palace-square , and approached the sentinels in front of the main portal ; the usual words of command were heard , the guard was relieved , and the sentinels marched off , surrendering their places to their less fortunate comrades . When they passed the side of the palace where the carriage was to be seen , they said to each other : `` Ah , we are off guard a few minutes too early . It can not be quite seven o'clock , for the king 's carriage is still waiting at the gate . '' The driver 's laugh was unheard . It was really not yet seven -- the hour when the king usually left the palace . He was still in his sitting-room , and his two old friends , General von Kockeritz and Field-Marshal Kalkreuth , were with him .