midnight
and instantly recovering his temper he walked on with his two confederates , now in deep silence , at a quick pace through the deserted streets towards their perilous rendezvous . Noiseless , with stealthy steps , they hurried onward , threading the narrow pass between the dusky hills , until they reached a dark and filthy lane which turning at right angles led to the broad thoroughfare of the more showy , though by no means less ill-famed Suburra . Into this they struck instantly , walking in single file , and keeping as nearly as possible in the middle of the causeway . The lane , which was composed of dwellings of the lowest order , tenanted by the most abject profligates , was dark as midnight ; for the tall dingy buildings absolutely intercepted every ray of light that proceeded from the murky sky , and there was not a spark in any of the sordid casements , nor any votive lamp in that foul alley . The only glimpse of casual illumination , and that too barely serving to render the darkness and the filth perceptible , was the faint streak of lustre where the Suburra crossed the far extremity of the bye-path . Scarce had they made three paces down the alley , ere the quick eye of Cataline , for ever roving in search of aught suspicious , caught the dim outline of a human figure , stealing across this pallid gleam . `` Hist !