midnight
He called in the three sentries , ordered the constable to maintain silence in the stable , and slipped out to reconnoitre . The colonel , the Squire and Maguffin prepared their pistols for the first volley on the housebreakers . The clergymen , with Timotheus and Rufus , got their guns in order for the second . It was almost on the stroke of midnight when the detective slipped in and closed the door after him . `` They are here , '' he whispered ; `` wait for me to ect ! Now , not another word . '' Silent , as if themselves conspirators , the eight men crouched in the darkened hall , listening to steps on the soft grass of the lawn .