four hours after midnight
How many of you will stick ? '' `` All of us , '' said they , in unison , and , accordingly , preparations for a siege were begun . Barricades were built , ruins removed , buildings transformed into blockhouses , and all through the turbulent night the tired men labored till ready to drop , led always by the young giant , who seemed without fatigue . It was perhaps four hours after midnight when a man sought him out . `` Somebody 's callin ' you on the Assay Office telephone -- says it 's life or death . '' Glenister hurried to the building , which had escaped the shock of the explosions , and , taking down the receiver , was answered by Cherry Malotte . `` Thank God , you 're safe , '' she began .