midnight
`` You defend that ? '' `` My Master came bringing not peace , but a sword . But I am not here to teach theology . '' `` But until midnight -- '' `` Until midnight I am in your hands . '' Again the silence fell , deeper than ever . Monsignor took his eyes off the Pope 's face for an instant to glance round what he could see of the circle . All were staring steadily , some half sunk down in their seats , others stretched forward , clasping the outer edges of the desks with strained hands , all staring at this quiet white figure who faced them .