midnight
Among the mass that had fallen inside the gate , seven gentlemen who still lived were discovered . These were brought into the chateau , and placed in a room together . The task was carried on by torchlight , and occupied some hours . Towards midnight , the trampling of a large body of horse was heard . Arms were hastily snatched up and steel caps thrust on and , pike in hand , they thronged to defend the entrance . Francois ran to the battlements . `` Who comes there ? ''