midnight
Instantly he saw the meaning of the plan which Fawkes had formed ; -- a plan which , if once entered upon , would be carried out by him with all the zeal of a fanatic . The fiendishness of it , while it roused his admiration of the man 's ingenuity , made him shudder ; for 't was not thus men struck in England . `` Come ! '' said he rising , '' 't is close upon midnight , and the ride was wearisome . Thy words have taken strong hold upon me , good Guido , and I need a season of prayer and meditation to gain better understanding in this matter . My cloak , therefore , that I may leave thee . '' Obedient to his wishes the others hastened their preparations for departure , and in silence Fawkes led them through the passage to the door by which they had entered his dwelling .