midnight
Across a patch of open grass he crawled on his hands and knees ; and once lay flat on his face when against the skyline he saw a figure he was sure was Deede Dawson 's creep by a yard or two on his right hand . On his left another shadow showed , distinguishable in the night only because it moved . In a moment both shadows were gone , secret and deadly in the dark , and Dunn was very sure that Clive 's life and his own both hung upon a slender chance , for if either of them was discovered the leaping bullet would do the rest . It would be safe and easy -- suspected burglars in a garden at midnight -- nothing could be said . He lay very still with his face to the dewy sod , and all the night seemed full to him of searching footsteps and of a swift and murderous going to and fro . He heard distinctly from the road a sudden , muffled sound as Clive in the darkness blunderingly missed his footing and fell upon one knee . `` That 's finished him , '' Dunn thought grimly , his ears straining for the sharp pistol report that would tell Clive 's tale was done , and then he was aware of a cat , a favourite of Ella 's and often petted by himself , that was crouching near by under a tree , most likely much puzzled and alarmed by this sudden irruption of hurrying men into its domain .