midnight
Three little hills stood near each other , and down in the midst of them sunk a hollow basin , almost mathematically circular , two or three hundred feet in breadth , and of such depth that a stately cedar might but just be visible above the sides . Dwarf pines were numerous upon the hills , and partly fringed the outer verge of the intermediate hollow , within which there was nothing but the brown grass of October , and here and there a tree trunk that had fallen long ago , and lay mouldering with no green successor from its roots . One of these masses of decaying wood , formerly a majestic oak , rested close beside a pool of green and sluggish water at the bottom of the basin . Such scenes as this -LRB- so gray tradition tells -RRB- were once the resort of the Power of Evil and his plighted subjects ; and here , at midnight or on the dim verge of evening , they were said to stand round the mantling pool , disturbing its putrid waters in the performance of an impious baptismal rite . The chill beauty of an autumnal sunset was now gilding the three hill-tops , whence a paler tint stole down their sides into the hollow . `` Here is our pleasant meeting come to pass , '' said the aged crone , `` according as thou hast desired . Say quickly what thou wouldst have of me , for there is but a short hour that we may tarry here . ''