midnight
`` Master , '' he said , `` forgive me . But if you were Grendel , as I think now , there is a great fear off my mind . '' `` I was Grendel , Dudda , '' said I ; `` but you must have a sorely evil conscience to be so easily frighted . '' `` Nay , master ; but from week to week I see none , least of all at midnight , and mail-clad men never at all . I think I am the only man who fears not this marsh and what may haunt it . '' `` That you may never boast again , '' said I ; `` for scared you were , and that badly ! '' `` It is between you and me , master , '' said he , with much cunning in his look ; `` as I pray the matter of what was in the cauldron may be also -- '' `` Well , as for that , '' I answered , `` I ate it , and was glad of it , so I will not inquire how it came there . ''