midnight
A brilliant moon flooded the broad plains of Bulgaria with shadowy light . At the base of the mountainous range , the red watch-fires denoted the situation of the Christian camp . Iskander proceeded down the descent with an audacious rapidity ; but his charger was thorough-bred , and his moments were golden . Ere midnight , he had reached the outposts of the enemy , and was challenged by a sentinel . `` Who goes there ? '' `` A friend to Christendom . '' `` The word ? ''