midnight
A loud _ vivat _ resounded from the robust Saxon youths , who were eager to fight . With proud satisfaction Tugendreich looked down on the singular groom who instructed the armed band in the court-yard as if he had been used to military duty all his life , assigned to every one his post in the court-yard , ordered the placing of men , cattle , and property , and then sallied forth with the mounted servants to reconnoitre the enemy . The baron , in the meanwhile , buried with trembling hands a casket of jewels in the cellar , while master Talander looked through his long telescope at the stars which now began to appear , compared his observations with the singular circles , lines , and signs upon a large table , and then made his calculations until the drops of perspiration stood upon his forehead , examining the results now with a joyful nod , and now with a thoughtful shake of his white head . At midnight the reconnoitring corp returned . The garrison was summoned with beating of drums , and Axel addressed them as follows : `` The Croats will presently enter the village and will not spare any thing ; the sky is already red with their torches ; they will burn here also , but we shall be secure behind these walls while you show yourselves to be men . Bear in mind that you are to fight for your good lord and his noble daughter , for the pure doctrine of the gospel , for your venerable pastor , for the honour of your wives , and for the lives of your children . Now long life to the elector ! ''