midnight
But what was to be done ? As we have said , he had gone too far to retrace his steps in the matter . Now if it were but possible to get out of the affair in some way , he said to himself , he would give half his fortune . Puzzling over this matter , the disappointed general paced back and forth in his room until past midnight , and at last having tired himself completely , both mentally and physically , he carelessly threw off his clothes , and summoning his orderly , gave some unimportant order , and prepared to retire for the night . But scarcely had he locked his door and drawn the curtains of his windows , when a gentle knock at the door caused him once more to open it , when an orderly led in a person who was closely wrapped up in a cloak , and after saluting respectfully left the new comer alone with his superior . `` Well , sir , did you obtain me those keys ? '' asked General Harero .