midnight
Before he took his departure M. Belmont solemnly warned Batoche of all the dangers which he incurred , reminding him that it is often more difficult to return from such an expedition as he had undertaken that night , than to get through its initial stages . Batoche was by no means insensible to his perils and , thanking his host , promised to exercise the utmost prudence . M. Belmont particularly called his attention to a patrol headed by Roderick 's old servant , Donald , who was a desperate man , animated by the most deadly feelings against every one whom he even suspected of disloyalty towards the King . `` I know that he owes you a special grudge , Batoche , for your midnight incursions , and if he catches you , he will treat you without mercy . '' The night was as dark as death , without a single star in the sky , or a solitary lamp in the streets . On leaving the house , Batoche shot boldly into a narrow lane that led towards the ramparts facing the St. Charles , and then slackened his step , creeping along the walls of the houses . This lane opened on a little garden which the old hunter was obliged to skirt along its whole length .