midnight
he demanded , and out of the darkness a voice answered quietly : `` A friend . '' `` A friend ? '' With a shock of relief the pistol dropped by his side , and he stood tense , waiting . How might a friend be here , at midnight in this desert ? As the thought framed itself swiftly the leaves parted , and his straining eyes saw the figure of a young man standing before him . `` How came you here ? '' demanded Miles sternly .