nearly midnight
But come , it is already time for us to walk forth in the moonlight . Clothe thyself thoughtfully , Zillah , for your dress must be such as will suffice you for many days , since we must fly far away over the sea , beyond the reach of pursuit . '' `` I will be thoughtful , '' answered the gentle girl , retiring a few moments from his side . They wandered on among the fairy-like scenes of the garden , where the trees overhung the Bosphorus , repeating once more the story of their love , and renewing those oft-repeated promises of eternal fidelity , until nearly midnight , when Selim suddenly started as he heard the low , muffled sound of oars . He paused but for a moment , then hastily seizing upon Zillah 's arm , he urged her to follow him quickly to the water 's edge . Throwing a heavy , long military cloak about her , he completely screened her from all eyes , and placing her in the stern of the boat that came for him , with a wave of the hand he bade his men give way , while he steered the caique towards a craft that lay up the river towards the city , and soon disappeared among the forest of masts and shipping that lay at anchor off Seraglio Point . They had made good their escape at least for the present , and were safe on board the ship commanded by Captain Selim .