six o'clock
From poetry the conversation passed to poets in general , and the Commandant made the remark that they were all rakes and confirmed drunkards ; he advised me as a friend to give up poetry as a thing opposed to the service , and leading to no good . Chvabrine 's presence was to me unbearable . I hastened to take leave of the Commandant and his family . After coming home I looked at my sword ; I tried its point , and I went to bed after ordering Savéliitch to wake me on the morrow at six o'clock . On the following day , at the appointed hour , I was already behind the haystacks , waiting for my foeman . It was not long before he appeared . `` We may be surprised , '' he said to me ; `` we must make haste . ''