midnight
`` But I have done my duty in all honor and honesty , '' he cries , softly , as if the dead man 's spirit were there to hear . `` I have defrauded no one , I have taken no money upon usury , I have been true to the living , true to the dead . '' And again he seems to see St. Vincent 's closing eyes . The bell tells off midnight . The strokes sound slower and more august than by busy daylight . If ever the ghost of the dead returned -- No ghost comes , however . He may as well throw himself down here and sleep , as to tramp to the park .