midnight
Onward , then , he bounded with frantic exertions while these thoughts sped through his mind . But , mingled with these , there came strange floating thoughts of that figure in the carriage -- that one who had met with a wondrous resurrection from the death to which he had sent her , and who was now looking on at his flight , and the pursuit of her avenger . All these various thoughts swept confusedly through his brain in the madness of that hour ; for thus it is that often , when death seems to impend , the mind becomes endowed with colossal powers , and all the events of a stormy and agitated life can be crowded into one moment . Now , as Gualtier fled , and as he contrived his plan of escape by the river , there were in his mind , parallel with these thoughts , others of equal power -- thoughts of that fair young girl whom he had cast adrift in a sinking ship on the wide midnight sea . Saved she had been , beyond a doubt , for there she was , with her eyes fixed on him in his agony . Avenged she would be also , unless he could escape that terrible pursuer who now every moment came faster and faster behind . Avenged ?