five o'clock
They then beat the _ dinner call _ . Then they had the pleasure of laying aside the drumsticks , and taking up the knife and fork once more . After dinner more _ calls _ and similar practice . The time from supper -LRB- five o'clock -RRB- until the beat for the evening roll-call -LRB- at eight -RRB- , the drummers had to themselves . After that the men were dismissed for the night , and could go to bed if they chose , -- all except the drummers , who must sit up and beat the _ tattoo at nine _ . That is the signal for the troops to retire . Then come the _ taps _ -LRB- to extinguish lights -RRB- , beat by each drummer in the company , going down the line of tents .