midnight
The monks of Melrose did for her what they could . Not only did they pray , but two stout-hearted friars and two powerful young laymen all well armed were appointed to guard the grave of the lady 's late chaplain , and to go on duty that very night . It was chill autumn , and as they paced the damp grass of the graveyard there was a smell of dead leaves in the air , and a grey mist crept up from the Tweed that moaned as it bore its flooded waters to the sea . When midnight came they expected to see the Hundeprest , but midnight passed in safety , and in `` the wee , sma ' hours '' the two laymen and one of the monks went into the nearest cottage to warm their icy feet . Now came the chance of the vampire . With `` a terrible noise '' the Hundeprest suddenly appeared , a thing of horror , and rushed at the monk who was slowly pacing towards the grave . The holy man bravely stood the charge , and , as the monster was almost touching him , he swung the axe which he carried , and drove it with all his might into the body of his diabolic adversary .