nine o'clock
He looked out over the hills , and then back into my face , his eyes narrowing , his lips setting firm over the white teeth . I little realized what was taking place in the fellow 's brain , what real motive influenced his decision , or the issues involved . `` I reckon I will , sah , providin ' de col ` nel says so . '' There was , of course , no difficulty in obtaining the consent of that officer , and by nine o'clock we were ready to depart , ten picked men , young , vigorous lads , though veterans in service , led by Miles , together with the negro Le Gaire and myself . Taking a lesson from the guerillas we were armed only with revolvers , intending to fight , if fight we must , at close quarters ; and the brass buttons , and all insignia of rank liable to attract attention had been removed from our blouses . Upon our heads we wore slouch hats . I had decided to make the attempt on foot , as we could thus advance in greater silence .