midnight
If there were no way even now of avoiding this duel , at least it must remain secret . Therefore it could not take place here in the enclosed garden of his own quarters , as he had so rashly consented . It should be fought upon neutral ground , where the presence of the body of the slain would not call for explanations by the survivor . From distant Lisbon on the still air came softly the chimes of midnight , and immediately there was a sharp rap upon the little door set in one of the massive gates that closed the archway . Sir Terence went to open the wicket , and Samoval stepped quickly over the sill . He was wrapped in a dark cloak , a broad-brimmed hat obscured his face . Sir Terence closed the door again .