about midnight
There were , however , some circumstances , that still required explanation . As far as she could judge by the faint moonlight , that had assisted her observation , the figure she had seen did not resemble this man either in shape or size ; besides , she was certain it had carried no arms . The silence of its steps , if steps it had , the moaning sounds , too , which it had uttered , and its strange disappearance , were circumstances of mysterious import , that did not apply , with probability , to a soldier engaged in the duty of his guard . She now enquired of the sentinel , whether he had seen any person besides his fellow watch , walking on the terrace , about midnight ; and then briefly related what she had herself observed . `` I was not on guard that night , lady , '' replied the man , `` but I heard of what happened . There are amongst us , who believe strange things . Strange stories , too , have long been told of this castle , but it is no business of mine to repeat them ; and , for my part , I have no reason to complain ; our Chief does nobly by us . ''