midnight
Garnache pondered a moment , stroking that firm chin of his , on which the erstwhile stubble had now grown into a straggling , unkempt beard -- and it plagued him not a little , for a close observer might have discovered that it was of a lighter colour at the roots . His hair , too , was beginning to lose its glossy blackness . It was turning dull , and presently , no doubt , it would begin to pale , so that it was high time he spread his wings and took flight from Condillac . `` We had best wait until midnight . It will give them time to be soundly in their slumbers . Though , should there be signs of any one stirring even then , you had better wait till later . It were foolish to risk having our going prevented for the sake of leaving a half-hour earlier . ''