midnight
He had been accustomed to call the young knight `` the king of love ; '' and , in allusion to the warning , advised him to look well to his safety , as they were the only two kings in the land . The old duke started as he heard this statement come from the mouth of one on the very eve of being consigned to the dagger ; and for a moment thought that the conspiracy had been discovered ; but a second look at the joyous merry-maker left no doubt on his mind that his jesting was the mere overflow of an exuberance of spirits . At this moment a hundred wild and kilted caterans , armed with swords and knives , and thirsting for blood , were lurking in the dark angles of the court of the monastery , directing their eyes to the blazing windows of the presence-chamber , and listening to the sounds of the revels . The conspirators within knew , by a concerted signal , that Graham and his party were in this situation , and looked anxiously for the breaking up of the entertainment ; but the king was inclined to prolong the amusements , and the hour was getting near midnight . While the king was engaged in play with the young knight , Christopher Chambers , one of the conspirators , was seized with a fit of remorse , and repeatedly approached the royal presence , with a view to inform James of his danger ; but the crowd of knights and ladies who filled the presence-chamber prevented him from executing his purpose . The amusements continued ; it was now long past midnight , and Stuart and Athol heard at length the long-wished-for declaration of the king , that the revels should be concluded . Just as James had uttered this wish , the usher of the presence-chamber approached Stuart , and whispered in his ear that an old woman , wrapped up in a red cloak , was at the door , and requested permission to see and speak with the king .