midnight
`` But the seed ? '' he ventured . She pointed impressively roofward . `` The dark of the moon , boy , the dark of the moon -- the first dark -- at midnight . '' Bles could not wring another word from her ; nor did the ancient witch , by word or look , again give the slightest indication that she was aware of his presence . With reluctant farewell , Bles turned home . For a space Zora watched him , and once she started after him , but came slowly back , and sat by the fire-place .