midnight
He had now no doubt that the cave was watched , and that it was one of his late pursuers whose shade he had seen . He returned , therefore , to Julia , and remained near an hour hid in the deepest recess of the rock ; when , no sound having interrupted the profound silence of the place , he at length once more ventured to the mouth of the cave . Again he threw a fearful look around , but discerned no human form . The soft moon-beam slept upon the dewy landscape , and the solemn stillness of midnight wrapt the world . Fear heightened to the fugitives the sublimity of the hour . Ferdinand now led Julia forth , and they passed silently along the shelving foot of the rocks . They continued their way without farther interruption ; and among the cliffs , at some distance from the cave , discovered , to their inexpressible joy , their horses , who having broken their fastenings , had strayed thither , and had now laid themselves down to rest .