midnight
`` I have many times avoided it , but twice became entangled with it , in spite of all my efforts , and was robbed by the Laughing Baron . '' `` Very well ; I intend you to be entrapped by that chain to-night . Offer no resistance , and you will be safe enough . Do not attempt to help these lads should they be set upon , and it will be hard luck if I am not in command again before midnight . Keep close to this shore , but if they order you into the middle of the river , or across it , dally , my good Blumenfels , dally , until you are stopped by the chain for the third time . '' When the captain returned to his barge , he found Kurzbold pacing the deck in a masterly manner , impatient to be off . For once the combatants , with an effort , were refraining from drink .