midnight
The distant mutterings of thunder having long since ceased , he recognized that the volume of the stream was constantly lessening . As the brook gradually subsided to its customary level , the forest became more and more silent . The greater his endeavor to sleep , the less dormant Roland felt , and all his senses seemed unduly quickened by this ineffectual beckoning to somnolence . He judged by the position of the stars , as he lay on his back , that it was past midnight , when suddenly he became aware of a noise to the west of him , on the other side of the brook . Sitting up , and listening intently , he suspected , from the rustle of the underbrush , that some one was following the trail , and would presently come upon his sleeping men . He rose stealthily , unsheathed his sword , leaped across the rivulet , and proceeded with caution up the acclivity , keeping on the trail as best he could in the darkness . He was determined to learn the business of the wayfarer , without disturbing his men , so crept rapidly up the hill .