an hour after
midnight
`` I stole him . I heard the report of his swiftness , and determined to become his master . At that time I possessed two fine black slaves , nimble of foot , and cunning in all their ways . Mounted on a fleet steed , of black hue , in case I should have to beat a retreat , and accompanied by my two slaves , I approached the camp an hour after midnight . One of the slaves had also visited the camp some days before , that he might ascertain where the Bu Saef was wont to be tethered ; and I had promised him his liberty should we succeed . I remained behind a ruined wall , through which I had a view of the camp . Anxiously I watched , till in less than an hour I distinguished through the gloom the shadowy figure of the longed-for camel coming across the plain towards me .