About midnight
Slimak returned and threw himself on his bed , but could find no rest . The darkness deprived him of energy , and he thought with fear of the Germans who were so many and he but one . Might they not attack him or set his house on fire ? About midnight a shot rang out , followed by another . He ran into the back-yard and came upon the equally frightened Maciek . Shouts , curses , and the clatter of horses ' hoofs came from beyond the river . Gradually the noise subsided .