midnight
Quitting the citadel , Iskander now proceeded through the whole town , and in the afternoon reviewed the Turkish garrison in the great square . As the late governor was very anxious to quit Croia that very day , Iskander insisted on a considerable portion of the garrison accompanying him as a guard of honour , and returning the next morning . The rest he divided in several quarters , and placed the gates in charge of his own companions . At midnight the Epirots , faithful to their orders , arrived and united beneath the walls of the city , and after inter-changing the signals agreed upon , the gates were opened . A large body instantly marched and secured the citadel . The rest , conducted by appointed leaders , surrounded the Turks in their quarters . And suddenly , in the noon of night , in that great city , arose a clang so dreadful that people leapt up from their sleep and stared with stupor .