midnight
The solemn bell for retiring rolled forth in the darkness with a single deep clang , and the sound went far and wide over the neighbouring district . Those peasants who were still awake in their scattered cottages , crossed themselves as they thought , `` The holy men at Oyster-le-Main are just now going to their rest . '' And thus the world outside grew still , and the thick walls of the Monastery loomed up against the stars . Deep in the midnight , many a choking cry rang fearfully through the stony halls , but came not to the outer air ; and the waning moon shone faintly down upon the enclosure of the garden , where worked a band of silent grave-diggers , clad in black armour , and with blood-red hands . The good country folk , who came at early morning with their presents of poultry and milk , little guessed what sheep 's clothing the gray cowls and gowns of Oyster-le-Main had become in a single night , nor what impious lips those were which now muttered blessings over their bent heads . The following night , hideous sounds were heard in the fields , and those who dared to open their shutters to see what the matter was , beheld a huge lizard beast , with fiery breath and accompanied by rattling thunder , raging over the soil , which he hardly seemed to touch ! In this manner did the dreaded Dragon of Wantley make his appearance , and in this manner did Sir Francis Almoign , Knight of the Voracious Stomach , stand in the shoes of that Father Anselm whom he had put so comfortably out of the way under the flower-beds in the Monastery garden , -- and never a soul in the world except his companions in orgy to know the difference .