midnight
` Now , ' I said , surveying our handiwork by the light of the rising moon , ` that Spaniard who would win our nest must find wings to fly with . ' ` Ay , Teule , ' answered one at my side , ` but say what wings shall WE find ? ' ` The wings of Death , ' I said grimly , and went on my upward way . It was near midnight when I reached the temple , for the labour of levelling the road took many hours and food had been sent to us from above . As I drew nigh I was amazed to hear the sound of solemn chanting , and still more was I amazed when I saw that the doors of the temple of Huitzel were open , and that the sacred fire which had not shone there for many years once more flared fiercely upon his altar . I stood still listening . Did my ears trick me , or did I hear the dreadful song of sacrifice ?