twelve o'clock
I had almost made a fool of myself by giving a false alarm . I never was so much out of sorts in my life with real terror ; I shook like a dog in a wet sack . My station was an old building , a complete ruin , without roof , and not more than six feet of wall standing in any part of it ; so that , with a glance of my eye , I could examine recesses of the interior . My turn came at twelve o'clock . The orders were to allow no one to advance without the word and countersign ; and if any movement was perceived in the enemy 's lines , to fire off my piece , and fall back upon the mainguard . I had been upon my station for about half-an-hour , or better , musing upon various things -- but Jeanie and you were ever uppermost in my thoughts . Suddenly a strange sound fell upon my ear .