midnight
On the plot in front the sentry was pacing his round on a night which was dark and threatening . No rain had fallen , but the clouds were constantly becoming denser , and it was plain that a storm might soon be expected . With the wind rose also the voice of the ocean , murmuring along the curving shores of the bay , distinctly heard in the silence of the night by the solitary soldier , whose thoughts it carried back to the sea-beaten island he had left . `` An ' my guns deceive me not , '' he said to himself , `` it should be past midnight . There is no moon , nor star , to be sure , to tell by , but I have mounted guard before , and my feelings let me know as surely as a dial what 's the hour . Hark ! -LRB- as a measured step was heard approaching -RRB- that must be Cowlson .