midnight
Maybe if you 're not found here you 'll get off ; for I 've seen none of you , and I can only guess at who you are . Go home , I say . ' There was a low , deep growl of disappointment , and a hurried consultation among the men . But whether they would follow Stephen 's counsel , it was not permitted them to choose ; for suddenly a strong , bright flame burst up in a high column , like a beacon , into the midnight air , and every one gazing upwards saw in a moment that the thatch over the farthest gable had caught fire . The house itself was now burning , and the light , blazing full upon their upturned faces , revealed to Stephen the well-known features of four of his former comrades . The shout that rang from their lips was one of real alarm now . ` Stephen , lad , open the door ! '