midnight
`` I marked you when you were speaking , and doubt not that your spirit will carry you through all difficulties . '' That night was a busy one in Alkmaar . Few thought of sleeping , and before morning the lists were all prepared , the companies mustered , officers chosen , posts on the walls assigned to them , and every man , woman , and child in Alkmaar knew the nature of the duties they would be called upon to perform . Just before midnight the governor left . `` Farewell , young man , '' he said to Ned ; `` I trust that we may meet again . Now that I have got rid of the black sheep among the magistracy I feel more hopeful as to the success of the defence . '' `` But may I ask , sir , why you did not dismiss them before ? ''