midnight
The streets were already almost deserted ; those who were abroad hurried along looking with suspicion at all whom they met , and walking in the middle of the road so as to avoid being taken by surprise by anyone lurking in the doorways or at the corners of alleys . Once or twice men came out and stared at Guy and his companion by the light of the lanterns suspended across the streets , but there was nothing about their appearance to encourage an attack , and the stalwart figure of the archer promised hard blows rather than plunder . Arriving at the square in front of Notre Dame they waited awhile . Here there were still people about , for it was a rendezvous both for roistering young gallants , thieves , and others starting on midnight adventures . After walking backwards and forwards two or three times Guy said , `` You had best stand here in the shadow of this buttress while I go and place myself beneath that hanging lamp ; seeing that we are together , and he , looking perhaps only for one , may not recognize me . '' On reaching the lamp , Guy took off his hat , so that the light should fall on his face , waited for a minute , and then replaced it . As soon as he did so a slightly-built lad came up to him .