midnight
`` To-night ? '' we all three cried , amazed that the preparations were already complete . `` Yes , '' he said , in a low tone . `` As the bell on the palace-gate chimeth the midnight hour a great mine will be fired that will proclaim with the earth 's sudden upheaval the rising of the people of Mo against their ruler . Then the people , ready armed with these weapons , will strike such a blow as will sweep away all oppression and tyranny from our land , and leave it free as it hath ever been , free to prosper and retain its position as the only unconquered nation on the face of earth . '' LEAVING the store of arms we returned to Goliba 's house ; not by the high road , but by little winding lanes with tunnel-like passages under the overhanging eaves of houses ; through a small open square or two , past a few richly-painted and carved doors of tombs , and so on once more to the residence of the old sage , with its spacious courts and beautiful gardens . We passed some handsome blue-tiled public fountains , and some fine buildings several storeys in height , open in the centre with a patio , and surrounded by galleries of carved wood , which seemed to answer to our corn exchanges .