midnight
They spoke in whispers , but Lucia was near enough to hear what they said . She listened out of curiosity for it struck her as being rather strange that a man dressed in beautiful dark clothes , with a hat such as she had seen the men in Rome wear , should be out on the beach whispering in the shadow of the wall to a boatman . When she had listened she was even more surprised . `` It 's all right , I 've fixed it , you can get aboard her at midnight . '' The boatman 's voice was husky and very mysterious . `` Be sure and be here on time , '' the man replied , `` this spot is safe , wait until the guard has passed and then land . If there is any danger , whistle . ''