midnight
`` Why , '' replied the man , `` he stood beside me in the ranks , and has been sent to murdher the man that was doomed . '' To this our friend judiciously avoided making any reply , the fact being that several individuals in high trust among these Whiteboys were occasionally employed to sound suspected persons , in order to test their sincerity . For about half a minute he spoke not ; but at length he said , with something like sternness -- `` There 's no use in sich talk as this , my friend ; every man that joins us must make up his mind to do his duty to God and his country . '' `` It 's a quare way of sarvin ' God to commit midnight murdher on his creatures , '' responded the man with energy . `` I do n't know who you are , '' replied our friend , `` but if you take my advice , you 'll not hould such conversation wid every man you spake to in this body . Wid me you 're safe , but at the same time , I say , do n't draw suspicion on yourself , and it 'll be betther for you . '' `` Who is this man ? ''