twelve o'clock
`` I need hardly say that my proposal was hailed with a universal welcome on the part of my companions ; and without dropping a hint to the other party , it was at once resolved that the design should be carried into execution . It was carried into execution . An ` up-river ' boat chanced to pass in the nick of time . A messenger was forthwith , despatched to Covington , and before twelve o'clock upon the following day another boat on her down trip brought the howitzer , and we had it secretly landed and conveyed to a place in the woods previously agreed upon . My friend , Captain C -- , had sent a ` live corporal ' along with it , and we had no difficulty in its management . `` As I had anticipated , it answered our purpose as though it had been made for it . Every shot brought down a shower of dead birds , and after one discharge alone the number obtained was 123 !