midnight
The carts from which the noise proceeded belonged to traders from neighboring cities , who preferred to leave their goods in the threatened town , rather than carry them towards the advancing Spaniards . Meister Peter had allowed some of them to store their property with him . The carts were obliged to pass through the back-building with the workshops , and the goods liable to be injured by the weather , were to be placed in the course of the day in the large garrets of his house . The burgomaster 's wife had gone to Henrica at midnight to soothe her fears , but the sick girl seemed free from all anxiety , and when she heard that the Spaniards were on the march , her eyes sparkled joyously . Maria noticed it and turned away from her guest , but she repressed the harsh words that sprang to her lips , wished her good-night , and left the chamber . Henrica gazed thoughtfully after her and then rose , for no sleep was possible that night . The alarm-bell in the Tower of Pancratius rang incessantly , and more than once doors opened , voices and shots were heard .