midnight
`` Comrades , '' he said gravely and firmly , `` the hour has come when we must put our manhood to the proof . This very day , without the loss of a needless moment , we must fall , sword in hand , upon yon dastard crew , and do to them as they have done . You have heard this honest man 's tale . Upon the day following a midnight raid they lie close in their cave asleep -- no doubt drunken with the excesses they indulge in , I warrant , when they have replenished their larder anew . This , then , is the day they must be surprised and slain . If we wait we may never have such another chance . My brothers in arms , are you ready to follow me ?