midnight
Should the storm increase , there is hope -- it is possible -- it will be accomplished . '' And , while he yet spoke , the lightning glared along the walls of the castle , and the loud thunder pealed over the battlements . Yet Madeline wept , and repented that she had spoken of the possibility of deliverance . As it drew towards midnight , the terrors of the storm increased , and the fierce hail poured down in sheets and rattled upon the earth ; the thunder almost incessantly roared louder and more loud ; or , when it ceased , the angry wind moaned through the woods , like a chained giant in the grasp of an enemy ; and the impenetrable darkness was rendered more dismal by the blue glare of the lightning flashing to and fro . Silently the castle gate was unbarred ; and Sir William , throwing himself into the saddle , dashed his spurs into the sides of his courser , which bounded off at its utmost speed , followed by the adieux of his countrymen , and the prayers and the tears of Madeline . The gate was scarce barred behind him ere he was dashing through the midst of the Scottish host . But the noise of the warring elements drowned the trampling of his horse 's feet , or where they were indistinctly heard for a few moments , the sound had ceased , and the horse and its rider were invisible , ere the sentinels , who had sought refuge from the fury of the storm in the tents , could perceive them .