midnight
Once she carried some wine to him , and he drank eagerly , spilling a few drops on the floor first . `` It 's like blood , '' he muttered , and smiled . Madam hastily covered his mouth with her trembling fingers . Just before midnight Ahmed arrived with his two friends . Gregorio saw them at once , and , calling them to him , they spoke together in low voices for a few moments . There was little need for words , and soon , scarcely noticed by the drinkers and gamblers , they passed out into the street and walked slowly toward the Jew 's house . Ahmed rapidly repeated the plan of action .