midnight
His testimony but corroborates that of his elder confrere . Taken together , or separately , it makes profound impression on the jurors of Judge Lynch ; almost influencing them to pronounce an instant verdict , condemnatory of the accused . If so , it will soon be followed by the sentence ; this by execution , short and quick , but sternly terrible ! While the Lynchers are still in deliberation , the little clock on the mantel strikes twelve , midnight ; of late , not oft a merry hour in the cottage of the Clancys ; but this night more than ever sad . Its striking seems the announcement of a crisis . For a time it silences the voices of those conversing . Scarce has the last stroke ceased to vibrate on the still night air , when a voice is heard ; one that has not hitherto taken part in the deliberations .