midnight
And now , having spent one whole day in the mighty task of governing a nation , he was overtaken with one of the most remarkable reverses , which not only changed the whole face of affairs but came within a hair of costing him his life ; as well as discovering to him the fact that no really great ruler was sure of his throne , even for a day . And this wonderful event , with all its serious results , the reader will find faithfully recorded in the next chapter . WHEN night was come , and disorder reigned throughout the camp of the allies ; when both generals and men were making night jubilant with their carousing , a cry broke forth in Nezub that the town was surprised by the enemy . A scene of the wildest confusion now ensued ; midnight was made terrible by the howling of dogs , the beating of drums , the tramp of horses , and the clatter of fire-arms . Suddenly it was discovered that the town was in flames ; and such was the terror excited in the hearts of the allied vagabonds that they took to their heels and scampered away like sensible men . And here I am constrained to record , without the slightest disparagement to my ruler , that having drank three punches before he retired to bed , he was disturbed of his slumbers by seven priests , who came rushing into his chamber , and without so much as giving him time to put on his breeches , dragged him forth in his shirt , and having mounted him on a mule , hurried him out of town at full speed . `` The fates have gone against me , '' said General Potter , musing to himself as he rode silently along on his mule , accompanied by the priests , similarly mounted , but not in their shirts .