midnight
` I gazed up toward the sun , which had risen higher now than when first I entered the wood , and as I gazed I saw a black thing among the branches of a leafy oak . ` Was it a bear , I wondered , and my hand felt for the sword that hung by my side . ` But it was no bear , for ere long I heard a voice mocking me with rough and cruel words . `` Aha , Sir Wiseacre , '' said the voice , `` I am breaking twigs off these tall trees , so that at midnight I may light a fire in which to roast you . '' Then , before I could answer , the black thing grinned at me and rustled the branches , until my steed grew restless and at length galloped away . ' Undine looked at the knight , her blue eyes sparkling as she cried , ` But indeed the wicked creature did not dare to roast you , Sir Knight ! ' ` In its terror , ' continued Huldbrand , ` my horse dashed itself against the trees , reared and again rushed madly forward .