the hour of twelve
At that solemn hour it is not probable that any one would seek that gloomy place from choice . Some lover of the picturesque certainly might visit it ; but such was not the inciting cause of the pilgrimage with those who were soon to stand within its gloomy precincts . Other motives dictated their presence in that spot -- motives of rapine ; peradventure of murder itself . As the neighbouring clocks sounded the hour of twelve , and the faint strokes were borne gently on the wind to that isolated ruin , there might have been seen a tall man standing by the porch of what had once been a large doorway to some portion of the ruin . His form was enveloped in a large cloak , which was of such ample material that he seemed well able to wrap it several times around him , and then leave a considerable portion of it floating idly in the gentle wind . He stood as still , as calm , and as motionless as a statue , for a considerable time , before any degree of impatience began to show itself . Then he took from his pocket a large antique watch , the white face of which just enabled him to see what the time was , and , in a voice which had in it some amount of petulance and anger , he said , -- `` Not come yet , and nearly half an hour beyond the time !