midnight
Then come two lions , and they obey you . '' `` I think that is a dream that comes of waves , and the foam that has followed us , and the shrill wind in the rigging , and the humming of the sail , sweet wife ; and the tree is the tall mast maybe , and the lions are the surges that you saw along this shore , where is no danger . '' So she was content ; and then all in the house slept . Maybe it was about an hour before midnight when the first waking came to any of us , and then it was Biorn himself who was roused by footsteps that stayed at the doorway itself , after coming across the garth , and then a voice that was strange to him which bade him open . At once he caught up his axe and went to the door , and asked quietly who was there . `` Open at once , '' said the man who was without ; `` we must speak with you . '' `` Go hence , I pray you , and wait for morning , '' said the sheriff .