midnight
`` Most unquestionably my information should stand at your command ; that is , if I knew any thing the communication of which could be of advantage to you . '' `` Father Abbot , '' replied the English knight , `` although it is rash to make myself responsible for a North-country man in these times , yet I own I do consider you as one who has ever been faithfully subject to the King of England , and I willingly hope that you will still continue so . '' `` And a fine encouragement I have ! '' said the abbot ; `` to be called out of my bed at midnight , in this raw weather , to undergo the examination of a knight , who is the youngest , perhaps , of his own honourable rank , and who will not tell me the subject of the interrogatories , but detains me on this cold pavement , till , according to the opinion of Celsus , the podagra which lurks in my feet may be driven into my stomach , and then good-night to abbacy and examinations from henceforward . '' `` Good father , '' said the young man , `` the spirit of the times must teach thee patience ; recollect that I can feel no pleasure in this duty , and that if an insurrection should take place , the rebels , who are sufficiently displeased with thee for acknowledging the English monarch , would hang thee from thine own steeple to feed the crows ; or that , if thou hast secured thy peace by some private compact with the insurgents , the English governor , who will sooner or later gain the advantage , will not fail to treat thee as a rebel to his sovereign . '' `` It may appear to you , my noble son , '' answered the abbot , obviously discomposed , `` that I am hung up , in this case , on the horns of the dilemma which you have stated ; nevertheless , I protest to you , that if any one accuses me of conspiring with the rebels against the King of England , I am ready , provided you give me time to swallow a potion recommended by Celsus in my perilous case , to answer with the most perfect sincerity every question which you can put to me upon that subject . '' So saying , he called upon a monk who had attended at his levee , and giving him a large key , whispered something in his ear .