midnight
`` A great scheme truly , '' said Hafela in admiration ; `` but how do I know whether all this tale is true , or whether you do but set a snare for me ? '' `` Bid scouts go out and creep into yonder gully , '' answered Noma , `` and you will see whether or no I have spoken falsely . For the rest , I am in your hands , and if I lie you can take my life in payment . '' `` If I march upon the Great Place , it must be at midnight when none see me go , '' said Hafela , `` and what will you do then , Noma , who are too weary to travel again so soon ? '' `` I will be borne in a litter till my strength comes back to me , '' she answered . `` And now give me to eat and let me rest while I may . '' ***** Five hours later , Hafela with the most of his army , a force of something over twenty thousand men , was journeying swiftly but by a circuitous route towards the Great Place of the king .