twelve o'clock
shouted the baker . We were all convinced that he was a man of judgment , a man who knew more than we did about things . And at the sound of his voice we were convinced of the soldier 's victory , and our spirits became sad and downcast . At twelve o'clock -- while we were eating our dinners -- the soldier came in . He was as clean and as smart as ever , and looked at us -- as usual -- straight in the eyes . But we were all awkward in looking at him . `` Now then , honored sirs , would you like me to show you a soldier 's quality ? ''