midnight
There is some treachery here , which we must sift ; we must not leave our noble countrywoman in the hands of these marauders . Trust me , Alan , we shall recover her yet . '' But the night promised ill for the fulfilment of this trust . Many hours passed in an utterly fruitless search , and about one hour before midnight a thick fog increased the dense gloom , and even prevented all assistance from the torches , for not ten yards before them was distinguishable . Dispirited and disappointed , the king and his companions threw themselves around the watchfires , in gloomy meditation , starting at the smallest sound , and determined to renew their search with the first gleam of dawn ; the hurried pace of Alan , as he strode up and down , for he could not rest , alone disturbing the stillness all around . It was already two hours after midnight when a hurried tread , distinct from Alan 's restless pacing , disturbed the watchers , and occasioned many to raise themselves on their elbows and listen . It came nearer and nearer , and very soon a young lad , recognized as Sir Alan 's page , was discerned , springing from crag to crag in breathless haste , and finally threw himself at his sovereign 's feet .