midnight
Meanwhile , he sat on and left his companion 's occasional sallies unanswered . In the street men stirred and lanthorns gleamed fitfully , whilst ever and anon a face surmounted by a morion would be pressed against the leaded panes of the window . Thus an hour wore itself out during which poor Hogan sat above , alone with his anxiety and unsavoury thoughts . Towards midnight at last Sir Crispin flung down his cards and rose . It was close upon an hour and a half since Hogan 's advent . In the streets the sounds had gradually died down , and peace seemed to reign again in Penrith . Yet was Sir Crispin cautious -- for to be cautious and mistrustful of appearances was the lesson life had taught him .