a half after midnight
So he sat up and answered softly in his turn : `` Who is it ? what is amiss , since the night is yet young ? '' `` I am thy fellow-farer , Roger , '' said the speaker , `` and this thou hast to do , get on thy raiment speedily , and take thy weapons without noise , if thou wouldst not be in the prison of the Burg before sunrise . '' Ralph did as he was bidden without more words ; for already when he lay down his heart misgave him that he was in no safe place ; he looked to his weapons and armour that they should not clash , and down they came into the hall and found the door on the latch ; so out they went and Ralph saw that it was somewhat cloudy ; the moon was set and it was dark , but Ralph knew by the scent that came in on the light wind , and a little stir of blended sounds , that it was hard on dawning ; and even therewith he heard the challenge of the warders on the walls and their crying of the hour ; and the chimes of the belfry rang clear and loud , and seeming close above him , two hours and a half after midnight . Roger spake not , and Ralph was man-at-arms enough to know that he must hold his peace ; and though he longed sore to have his horse Falcon with him , yet he wotted that it availed not to ask of his horse , since he durst not ask of his life . So they went on silently till they were out of the Great Place and came into a narrow street , and so into another which led them straight into the houseless space under the wall . Roger led right on as if he knew the way well , and in a twinkling were they come to a postern in the wall betwixt the East Gate and the South .