midnight
It was indeed upon that sturdy patriot that he relied chiefly for aid in leaving the state . He took a last , lingering look at the minister 's house , -- the windows whose cheerful light had so often greeted him on his way thither , in those delightful winter evenings which were gone , never to return , -- the soldiers on the piazza , symbolizing the reign of terror that had commenced , -- and with a deep inward prayer that God would shield with his all-powerful hand the beleaguered family , he once more crossed the fields . By a circuitous route he came in sight of Stackridge 's house . There were lights there also , although it must have been now near midnight . And as Penn discerned them , he became aware of loud voices engaged in angry altercation around the farmer 's door . It was no time for him to approach . He stole away as noiselessly as he had come .