midnight
Strict search had been made by the officers of the Star-Chamber for concealed treasure , but little was found , the bulk having been carried off , as before related , by the myrmidons . Nevertheless , it was supposed there were other secret hoards , if a clue to them could only be found . Mompesson had been interrogated on the subject ; but he only made answers calculated to excite the cupidity of his hearers without satisfying them , and they fancied he was deceiving them . On the night in question , to all outward appearance , the house was sombre and deserted as usual , and the city watch who passed it at midnight , and paused before its rusty gates and its nailed-up door , fancied all was secure . The moon was at the full , shining brightly on the sombre stone walls of the mansion , -- on its windows , and on the lofty corner turret , whence Mompesson used so often to reconnoitre the captives in the opposite prison ; and , as certain of the guard looked up at the turret , they laughed at its present emptiness . Yet they little dreamed who was there at the time , regarding them from the narrow loop-hole . After the pause of a few minutes they moved on , and the gleam of their halberts was presently seen , as they crossed Fleet Bridge , and marched towards Ludgate .