midnight
`` I marvel how you escaped from it , '' said Richmond ; `` but I suppose it was by the connivance of the officer . '' `` He who set me free -- who brought the Fair Geraldine hither -- and who , I suspect , acquainted you with our meeting , was no other than Herne the Hunter , '' replied Surrey . `` You amaze me ! '' exclaimed the duke ; `` it was indeed a tall dark man , muffled in a cloak , who informed me that you were to meet at midnight in King James 's bower in the moat , and I therefore came to surprise you . '' `` Your informant was Herne , '' replied Surrey . `` Right ! '' exclaimed the demon , stepping from behind a tree , where he had hitherto remained concealed ; `` it was I -- I , Herne the Hunter .