nine o'clock
He sprang up , and eyeing the figure which stood before him by the light of the fire , he recognised the well-known features of George von Fronsberg . `` Is it you , general ? '' said Albert , who now breathed more freely , and threw his cloak aside to receive the knight with proper respect . `` Remain , remain where you are , '' said the other , and gently compelled him to resume his seat ; `` I will set myself beside you , and have half an hour 's talk , for it is only just past nine o'clock , and no one is yet in bed in Ulm , excepting such hot-brained fellows as you , whose heads require cooling on a hard pillow . '' `` Oh ! how can I merit this kind consideration at your hands , '' said Albert , `` after having treated your good intentions towards me with apparent ingratitude ? '' `` No excuse , my young friend , '' answered the general , `` you are but the counterpart of your father ; just like him , precipitate in praise and blame , in decision and speech .