four in the morning
At Epinal , a similar and even warmer greeting awaited them ; Epinal being so much nearer to the enemy that the fear of Uhlans was more acute . The station was decorated with green boughs ; and the Maire , with many of the leading inhabitants , was at the station to receive them . The corps formed upon the platform ; and then marched through the little town to the Hotel de Ville , loudly cheered by the people as they passed along . Here they were dismissed , with the order to parade again at half-past four in the morning . There was no trouble as to billets for the night , as the Maire had already made out a list of the inhabitants who had offered accommodation -- the number being greatly in excess of the strength of the corps . These persons now came forward , and each took off the number of franc tireurs who had been allotted to them . The sergeant of the first company , knowing the relationship and friendship of the young Barclays and Duburgs , had promised them that -- when practicable -- he would always quarter them together .