about midnight
`` And where do you propose to pass the two hours that must elapse ? '' `` At the bottom of yonder field is a thicket , where we shall be free from observation . We can smoke our pipes there . By-the-bye , the patrol goes round about midnight . '' `` We must be cautious , '' said Hunston . `` Come along , then . '' The three villains then walked off in the direction of the thicket where they were to hide .