midnight
On the way through the wood he kept beside her , assisting her over rough places , and occasionally saying a few encouraging words . When darkness had completely set in three or four torches were lit , and they continued their way until midnight . Several times Archie had proposed a halt , but Marjory insisted that she was perfectly able to continue her way for some time longer . At midnight , however , he halted . `` We will stop here , '' he said . `` My men have been marching ever since daybreak , and tomorrow we must journey fast and far . I propose that we keep due east for some time and then along by Loch Rannoch , then across the Grampians by the pass of Killiecrankie , when we can make down to Perth , and so to Stirling .