midnight
Murder ! '' And the prolonged , terrific cry sent a panic through every limb , as for an instant the head clerk paused to listen . As by instinct , he comprehended all . He felt as fully aware as though he had been plainly told so , that the echo of his hurried pace had been caught by the quick ear of the night guardians , and he was pursued as a midnight assassin . Thinking that the safest course would be to hurry straight to the physician 's office , where he was well known and where the statement he might make would be corroborated , he again struck into a run , and with all his strength endeavored to elude the pursuers , whose voices every moment fell more clearly on his ear . He felt in his great heart all the terrible consequences which might accrue to Guly if he should be captured , for there would necessarily be more or less delay in his again obtaining freedom . But , swiftly as he fled , he felt he was no match for the swift-footed pursuers behind him , and the cry of murder , and the sound of clubs upon the banquette , and the sharp , quick watchman 's rattle , fell on his ear more startlingly clear every moment .