midnight
`` He has managed , '' said Isidor Mirr , `` to get safe out of Valenzia himself , and to save the best of his belongings , and get them loaded up upon mules . He has been expecting them all night , and has every reason to anticipate evil . '' Edgar marvelled at Don Rafaele 's avarice , which seemed to render him oblivious of everything besides . It was midnight ; the moon was shining brightly among the hills ; when musketry fire was heard from the ravine beneath , and presently some rather seriously wounded Guerillas came limping up , reporting that the troop which was escorting Don Rafaele 's mules had been unexpectedly attacked by some French Chasseurs , that nearly all their comrades had fallen , and the mules been captured by the enemy . `` Great heavens , my child -- my poor , unfortunate child , '' Don Rafaele cried , and sank to the ground . `` What is the matter here ? '' cried Edgar loudly .