midnight
De Tonty 's apparent indifference , and his sudden friendliness with De Baugis and Cassion , did not worry me greatly . I realized his purpose in thus diverting suspicion . His pledge of assistance had been given me , and his was the word of a soldier and gentleman . In some manner , and soon -- before midnight certainly -- I would receive message from Boisrondet . Yet my heart failed me more than once as I waited . How long the time seemed , and how deadly silent was the night . Crouched close beside the door I could barely hear the muttered conversation of the soldiers on guard ; and when I crossed to the open window I looked out upon a black void , utterly soundless .