nearly midnight
He drew his sword and assailed the foremost of the cavaliers with such implacable fury that they fell back . General Goffe took advantage of the moment to mount a swift horse and fly . A few pistol shots were fired at him ; but he escaped , and Robert conducted the half-fainting Ester home . It was nearly midnight when a friend came to inform Robert that the king 's men had procured a warrant against him for resisting his majesty 's officers , and he must fly for his life . There was a flutter of hushed excitement . Everybody was awakened . Robert hurriedly gathered up his effects , which were taken to a brigantine ready to sail for Virginia .