midnight
Nine-and-seventy Alleyne counted of these dark figures flitting across the line of the moonlight . Many bore huge burdens upon their backs , though what it was that they carried he could not tell at the distance . Out of the one wood and into the other they passed , all with the same crouching , furtive gait , until the black bristle of trees had swallowed up the last of them . For a moment Alleyne stood in the window , still staring down at the silent forest , uncertain as to what he should think of these midnight walkers . Then he bethought him that there was one beside him who was fitter to judge on such a matter . His fingers had scarce rested upon Aylward 's shoulder ere the bowman was on his feet , with his hand outstretched to his sword . `` Qui va ? ''