midnight
Domingo marched in front with his lighted torch , and they proceeded amidst the rejoicings of the whole troop , who overwhelmed them with their benedictions . Virginia , affected by this scene , said to Paul , with emotion , -- `` Oh , my dear brother ! God never leaves a good action unrewarded . '' It was midnight when they arrived at the foot of their mountain , on the ridges of which several fires were lighted . As soon as they began to ascend , they heard voices exclaiming -- `` Is it you , my children ? '' They answered immediately , and the negroes also , -- `` Yes , yes , it is . '' A moment after they could distinguish their mothers and Mary coming towards them with lighted sticks in their hands .