Midnight
A thunderbolt in the great hall had been a _ bagatelle _ to it . A few days before , a notable miracle had been wrought in the neighborhood ; and in those times miracles were not so common as they are now ; no royal balloons , no steam , no railroads , -- while the few saints who took the trouble to walk with their heads under their arms , or to pull the Devil by the nose , scarcely appeared above once in a century : -- so the affair made the greatest sensation . The clock had done striking twelve , and the Clerk of Chatham was untrussing his points preparatory to seeking his truckle-bed ; a half - emptied tankard of mild ale stood at his elbow , the roasted crab yet floating on its surface . Midnight had surprised the worthy functionary while occupied in discussing it , and with his task yet unaccomplished . He meditated a mighty draft : one hand was fumbling with his tags , while the other was extended in the act of grasping the jorum , when a knock on the portal , solemn and sonorous , arrested his fingers . It was repeated thrice ere Emmanuel Saddleton had presence of mind sufficient to inquire who sought admittance at that untimeous hour . `` Open !