Midnight
Paul thought he had been right now in fancying the house watched ; but probably the hope of the watchers had rather been to find and carry off the girl than to take vengeance upon himself . He understood it all now , and was eager to defeat them a second time . The nights were almost at their longest now , and the cold was very great ; but the watchers piled fresh logs upon the fire , and talked quietly to each other as they sat in the dancing glow -- for the rushlight had long since gone out . Midnight had passed . All was intensely still , and sleep seemed disposed to steal upon their senses in spite of their resolution to banish his presence . Paul was just about to suggest to his companion that he should lie down awhile on the bed and indulge in a nap , whilst he himself kept watch alone , when the prince laid a hand upon his arm , and gripped him tight in a fashion which told that his quick ears had heard something . The next moment Paul heard the same himself -- stealthy sounds as of approaching footsteps , which paused beneath the window and then seemed to steal round the house .