midnight
`` Not so , Thane , '' cried one of our men , who was peering through the timbers of the stockade . `` Now that I can see , I have counted full fifty men , and they are waiting as if to rush in . '' Then said my father : `` Maybe we will open the gate when we are sure you are friends . One may be forgiven for doubting that when you come thus at midnight to a peaceful house . '' `` We are friends or not , as you choose , Aldred , '' the voice answered . `` I am Erpwald , Woden 's priest , and I am here to stay wrong to the Asir of which I have heard . '' `` I will not pretend not to know what you mean , Erpwald , '' answered my father .