midnight
We would get home ere the tempest bursts . '' The first trumpet blew and the horses of the knights , which whinnied uneasily , were led to their stations . The second trumpet blew and the knights laid their lances in rest . Then ere the third trumpet could sound , suddenly the darkness of midnight swallowed all the scene . Dick groped his way to Hugh 's side . `` Bide where you are , '' he said , `` the end of the world is here ; let us meet it like men and together . '' `` Ay , '' answered Hugh , and his voice rang hollow through his closed visor , `` without doubt it is the end of the world , and Murgh , the Minister , has been sent to open the doors of heaven and hell .