midnight
He fell to the lure of the shining metal , for he had lived upon the coast and knew the power of gold . He promised to bring them what they craved , late that night . Immediately after dark the two white men commenced to make arrangements to break camp . By midnight all was prepared . The porters lay beside their loads , ready to swing them aloft at a moment 's notice . The armed askaris loitered between the balance of the safari and the Arab village , ready to form a rear guard for the retreat that was to begin the moment that the head man brought that which the white masters awaited . Presently there came the sound of footsteps along the path from the village .