Ten o'clock
As the shades of night fell , the storm , if possible , increased . The moon was half gone , and only a few stars were visible by glimpses , as a rush of wind left a temporary opening in the sky . I had determined , if the storm should not abate , to incur any penalty rather than attend the meeting ; but the appointed hour was distant , and I resolved to be decided by the future state of the night . Ten o'clock came , but still there was no change : eleven passed , and on opening the door to observe if there were any likelihood of its clearing up , a blast of wind , mingled with rain , nearly blew me off my feet . At length it was approaching to the hour of midnight ; and on examining it a third time , I found it had calmed a little , and no longer rained . I instantly got my oak stick , muffled myself in my great coat , strapped my hat about my ears , and , as the place of meeting was only a quarter of a mile distant , I presently set out . The appearance of the heavens was lowering and angry , particularly in that point where the light of the moon fell against the clouds , from a seeming chasm in them , through which alone she was visible .