midnight
When it was near midnight I set out on my way , and soon arrived at the Ponte Vecchio . I found the bridge forsaken and lonely , and determined to await the person who had appointed to meet me . It was a cold night , the moon shone brightly , and I looked down on the waves of the Arno , glistening in the moonlight . The church clocks now struck the midnight hour , I looked up and saw before me a tall man , enveloped in a red cloak , a corner of which he had drawn over his face . At first , I was rather terrified , at his suddenly appearing behind me , but soon recovered myself , and said , `` If you have summoned me hither , say what is your command . '' The Red Cloak turned round , and slowly said , `` Follow me . '' I felt somewhat uneasy at the thought of following the stranger alone ; so I stood still , saying , `` Nay , sir , please first to tell me whither .