midnight
As the palisades were too high for his leap , this putting him at liberty within them answered the double purpose of giving the mastiff room for healthful exercise , and of possessing a most vigilant sentinel against dangers of all sorts . On the present occasion , however , the dog was missing , and after calling and whistling for him some time , the bee-hunter was fain to bar the gate , and leave him on the outside . This done , he sought his skin , and was soon asleep . It was midnight , when the bee-hunter felt a hand laid on his own arm . It was the corporal , making this movement , in order to awake him . In an instant the young man was on his feet , with his rifle in his hand . `` Did you not hear it , Bourdon ? ''