midnight
If they were surprised it was not likely they would all be caught , for in the open there was always a chance of escape . The distance and lonely situation were all in their favour . In a small house in a narrow street they were like trapped animals . The custom was to start at midnight on the outskirts of the town , collecting by degrees , and when they were well on their way the cavalcade joined together and formed into Indian file . Some were on horseback and some on the more sure-footed mules . Not one among the conspirators could ride with the exception of Vardri and Emile , and the knowledge of the art possessed by the latter was poor enough . The steeds of the general company went at whatever pace they chose and in what direction they saw fit , and occasionally two or three got wedged together in some narrow place and there was an interlude of kicking and squealing .