midnight
Three little hills stood near each other , and down in the midst of them sunk a hollow basin almost mathematically circular , two or three hundred feet in breadth and of such depth that a stately cedar might but just be visible above the sides . Dwarf pines were numerous upon the hills and partly fringed the outer verge of the intermediate hollow , within which there was nothing but the brown grass of October and here and there a tree-trunk that had fallen long ago and lay mouldering with no green successor from its roots . One of these masses of decaying wood , formerly a majestic oak , rested close beside a pool of green and sluggish water at the bottom of the basin . Such scenes as this -LRB- so gray tradition tells -RRB- were once the resort of a power of evil and his plighted subjects , and here at midnight or on the dim verge of evening they were said to stand round the mantling pool disturbing its putrid waters in the performance of an impious baptismal rite . The chill beauty of an autumnal sunset was now gilding the three hill-tops , whence a paler tint stole down their sides into the hollow . `` Here is our pleasant meeting come to pass , '' said the aged crone , `` according as thou hast desired . Say quickly what thou wouldst have of me , for there is but a short hour that we may tarry here . ''