about one o'clock
_ They Grapple . _ Almaville is asleep , watched by the quiet moon , now about to disappear , and the far off silent stars . Upon the bridge from which hundreds had seen little Henry Crump driven to his death ; where the majesty of the law had been trampled under foot in the murder and mutilation of Dave Harper -- upon this bridge now stood Ensal awaiting the coming of Earl who had to pass that way to reach the place of rendezvous agreed upon by himself and followers . At about one o'clock Ensal , standing in the shadow of the framework of the bridge , saw Earl walking rapidly in his direction . As the latter was about to pass , Ensal laid a hand firmly upon his shoulder . Earl looked around quickly to learn the meaning of the firm grasp and recognized him . There was a look of determination in Ensal 's eye that caused Earl to feel that important developments were sure to follow .