eight
at night
Firmin , since he was an old soldier , was to occupy the post of honour , and guard the hall , armed with his gun . Jean was to guard the two drawing-rooms , as being less likely points of attack . He also was to have a gun ; and the millionaire went with him to the gun-room and gave him one and a dozen cartridges . When they came back to the hall , Sonia called them into the dining-room ; and there , to the accompaniment of an unsubdued grumbling from Germaine at having to eat cold food at eight at night , they made a hasty but excellent meal , since the chef had left an elaborate cold supper ready to be served . They had nearly finished it when Jean came in , his gun on his arm , to say that Firmin had harnessed the horse to the luggage-cart , and it was awaiting them at the door of the chateau . `` Send him in to me , and stand by the horse till we come out , '' said the millionaire . Firmin came clumping in .