midnight
What reason have you to suppose that the persons for whom you watch are not already beyond the village ? '' The seaman paused long before he answered , and gazed earnestly at Edward , apparently endeavoring to ascertain from his countenance the amount of his knowledge . This he probably overrated , but , nevertheless , hazarded a falsehood . `` I doubt not they passed before midnight , '' he said . `` I warrant you they are many a league towards the sea-coast , ere this . '' `` You have kept watch , then , since midnight ? '' asked Edward .