the noon of
night
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 . Instantly the terrace of every house blazed with torches , and it became as light as day . Troops of armed men were charging down the streets , brandishing their scimitars and yataghans , and exclaiming , `` The Cross , the Cross ! '' `` Liberty ! ''