midnight before
He and John had read of some such phenomena in their books relating to the history of magic ; and little as the hypnotic state was understood in those days , the young student had gained some slight insight into the matter , and was able to speak of his convictions to Roger with some assurance . He told him that though he verily believed such power over the wills of others to be in some sort the work of the devil , it might yet be successfully withstood by a resolute will , bound over to the determination to yield nothing to the strong and evil wills of others . And Roger , who had long since fought his fight and gained strength and confidence , was not afraid of venturing into the stronghold of wickedness -- less so than ever now that he might go at Raymond 's side . It was midnight before the lonely house was reached , and Raymond 's heart beat high as he saw the outline of the old walls looming up against the gloomy sky . Not a light was to be seen burning in any of the windows , save a single gleam from out the turret at the corner away to the left ; and though owls hooted round the place , and bats winged their uncertain flight , no other living thing was to be seen , and the silence of death seemed to brood over the house . `` This is the way to the door that is the only one used , '' said Stephen , `` and we shall find it unlocked for certain , seeing that the servants have run away , and the young master will not go nigh his father , not though he were ten times dying . My lantern will guide us surely enough through the dark passages , and maybe young Roger will know where the old man is like to be found . ''