midnight
`` Look ye here , Sir Hugh , '' he said eagerly ; `` handsome Ned went down the road at a gallop this morning . There 's something brewing in London , you may trust me , Sir Hugh , and I tried to stop him to learn his errand ; but he tossed me a crown and galloped on . He took the Hill road , Sir Hugh , and you came up the Vale ; but he 's bound for Dangerfield , I know , and mayhap he 's got papers that will save your journey to London . No offence , Sir Hugh , '' added the lad , for the baronet 's face was black as midnight . `` None , my good boy , '' was the reply in a hoarse , thick voice . `` Hold , there 's another crown for you -- drink it every farthing , you villain ! or I never give you a sixpence again ; '' and Sir Hugh rode on as though bound for London , but stopped a mile farther forward , at a place where two roads met ; and entrusting his papers to his servant , bade him hasten on with them , whilst he galloped back through the darkness in the direction of his home .