midnight
Home , indeed ! Had it ever been home to Sir Hugh ? Would it be home to-night ? When he got back there , and skulked into his own house like a midnight thief -- what would he do ? -- why was he galloping so fast ? Sir Hugh set his teeth tight , and holding his powerful horse hard by the head urged him on faster than before . The lights are all out in the little village of which he is sole master , and his horse 's hoofs clattering through the street rouse the sleepy inmates for an instant ere they return to their peaceful rest .