about midnight
Simon Fleix had slunk to the window and turned his back on us . Neither seemed to have anything to say . But a state of suspense was one which I could least endure to suffer ; and impatient of the constraint which my friend 's manner was fast imparting to mine , I asked him at once and abruptly if his uncle had returned . ` He rode in about midnight , ' he answered , tracing a pattern on the floor with the point of his riding-switch . I felt some surprise on hearing this , since d'Agen was still dressed and armed for the road , and was without all those prettinesses which commonly marked his attire . But as he volunteered no further information , and did not even refer to the place in which he found me , or question me as to the adventures which had lodged me there , I let it pass , and asked him if his party had overtaken the deserters . ` Yes , ' he answered , ` with no result . '