midnight
It concluded with an appeal to secrecy , and an order to observe in confidence and honor any compact made , as his life and liberty depended on it . When this missive had passed the scrutiny of the bandits , it was dispatched by one of their number to Señora Mora . It was just two weeks since Don Ramon 's disappearance , a fortnight of untold anguish and uncertainty to his family . The messenger reached Agua Dulce an hour before midnight , and seeing a light in the house , warned the inmates of his presence by the usual `` Ave Maria , '' a friendly salutation invoking the blessings of the saints on all within hearing . Supposing that some friend had a word for them , the son went outside , meeting the messenger . `` Are you the son of Don Ramon Mora ? '' asked the bandit .