Midnight
Again and again the fiddle ceased its ear-maddening screams as refreshment was partaken of by the dancers . Wilder and wilder grew the scene as the potent liquor took hold of its victims . They danced with more and more reckless abandon as each time they returned to step it to the fiddler 's patient measure . Midnight approached and still no sign of Retief . Horrocks grew restless and impatient . Once the fiddle ceased , and the officer watching saw all eyes turn to the principal entrance to the barn . His heart leapt in anticipation as he gazed in the direction .