midnight
As easily as he could read their faces could he read the thoughts of those about him . They were thoughts of friendly curiosity , of pity for the exiles ; on the part of the policemen who had hastened from a cross street , of pride at their temporary responsibility ; on the part of the coachman of the court carriage , of speculation as to the possible amount of his Majesty 's tip . The thoughts were as harmless and protecting as the warm sunshine . And then , suddenly and harshly , like the stroke of a fire bell at midnight , the harmonious chorus of gentle , hospitable thoughts was shattered by one that was discordant , evil , menacing . It was the thought of a man with a brain diseased ; and its purpose was murder . `` When they appear at the doorway , '' spoke the brain of the maniac , `` I shall lift the bomb from my pocket . I shall raise it above my head .