midnight
asked Wulf of Godwin . `` We have never found Masouda to be a liar , '' was his answer . `` Come ; let us see to our armour , for the knives of those fedai are sharp . '' It was near midnight , and the brethren stood in the small , domed ante-chamber , from which a door opened into the sleeping rooms of Saladin . The guard of eight Mameluks had left them , to be met by their relief in the courtyard , according to custom , but no relief had as yet appeared in the ante-chamber . `` It would seem that Masouda 's tale is true , '' said Godwin , and going to the door he locked it , and hid the key beneath a cushion . Then they took their stand in front of the locked door , before which hung curtains , standing in the shadow with the light from the hanging silver lamps pouring down in front of them .