midnight
`` It seems likely , '' I replied ; and was silent . Outside the open windows whispered the shrubbery , as a soft breeze stole through the bushes . Beyond , the moon made play in the dim avenue . From the old chapel hard by the sweet-toned bell proclaimed midnight . Our vigil was begun . In this room it was that Professor Deeping had met death at the hands of the murderous Easterns ; here it was that Marden and West had mysteriously been struck down the night before . To-night was every whit as hot , and Bristol and I had the windows widely opened .