midnight
His grip tightened . In a few moments I would have been lifeless . But , just at the instant when consciousness was about leaving me , the guardian of the night appeared . With a single stroke of his heavy mace , he laid the midnight robber and assassin senseless upon the floor . How instantly was that humble watchman ennobled in my eyes ! How high and important was his use in society ! I looked at him from a new standpoint , and saw him in a new relation .