six o'clock in the morning
Some had come from Buenos Ayres with San Martin ; others were Chilians who had fought with him throughout the Chilian War ; several , like myself , were natives of Peru ; while two or three were Englishmen . Fortunately , before the dispute had had time to become hot , the colonel returned from the conference , and joined us at the fire . `` I do n't know , gentlemen , that anything is likely to happen , '' said he ; `` but we may as well enjoy a night 's rest while we can , '' and wrapping his cloak around him , he lay down , setting an example which most of us followed . When I awoke at six o'clock in the morning , most of the officers and men were still sleeping , but the colonel had disappeared . There was nothing to be done beyond feeding and grooming my horse , which I always made a point of doing myself . As to my own breakfast , my haversack was empty , and I think there was hardly a pound of meat to be found among the whole column . After a short time the men were roused , and just after seven o'clock we saw the colonel come tearing along on horseback , as if pursued by a cavalry division .