midnight
The wind whimpered and then shouted . The rain swept down in spiteful volleys , deepening at last into a fierce , steady discharge . Nine o'clock , ten o'clock passed , and Keene did not return . By midnight we were certain that some accident had befallen him . It was impossible to go up into the mountains in that pitch-darkness of furious tempest . But we could send down to the village for men to organise a search-party and to bring the doctor . At daybreak we set out -- some of the men going with the Master along Black Brook , others in different directions to make sure of a complete search -- Graham and the doctor and I following the secret trail that I knew only too well .