midnight
Valetta , with its streets of steps , its wonderfully fortified harbors , its gay public gardens , its cathedral , and its armory of the Knights of St. John , where are preserved hundreds of priceless suits of armor belonging to the Crusaders , the famous silver bells that rang peals from the churches , and the rare and beautiful pieces of Maltese lace exhibited in the shop windows , had many attractions for strangers , particularly those of British nationality . In the midst of such foreign surroundings it was delightful to hear English spoken in the streets , to see the familiar figure of a policeman , and to know that the great warships in the harbor were part of the British Fleet , and were ready at any time to protect our merchant vessels . After a bewildering day 's sight-seeing the girls sat in the lounge of the hotel after dinner , trying to rest . They were very tired , and would gladly have gone to bed , but the Syracuse mail-boat ran only once in every twenty-four hours , and started at midnight , so their traveling must perforce be continued without the longed for break . Cousin Clare cheered them up with the thoughts of the coffee ordered for ten o'clock , and of berths when they got on board the steamer . `` We might be far worse off , '' she assured them . `` For at least we have a comfortable hotel to rest in .