midnight
But I was too impatient to be off to allow of any further delay . `` At what hour is the tide full ? '' I asked of one of the servants . `` Half-an-hour after midnight , '' was the reply . As he spoke , the clock in the hall struck half-past nine . `` In three hours , '' said I to myself , as I galloped down the avenue , `` the Dutchman at Malin weighs anchor . '' It was well for me I was no stranger to the rough , mountainous road I had to travel , for the night was pitch dark , and scarcely a soul was afoot at that late hour .