midnight
When they had done , he said , ` The curse of Herne 's blood is upon you , and can only be removed in one way . As you return to the castle , go to the tree on which he destroyed himself , and you may learn how to act . ' `` The keepers would have questioned him further , but he refused to answer , and dismissed them . `` The shades of evening had fallen as they quitted Bagshot ; and it was midnight as they entered the home park , and proceeded towards the fatal oak . It was pitchy dark , and they could only distinguish the tree by its white , scathed trunk . All at once , a blue flame , like a will-o ' - the-wisp , appeared , flitted thrice round the tree , and then remained stationary , its light falling upon a figure in a wild garb , with a rusty chain hanging from its left arm , and an antlered helm upon its head . They knew it to be Herne , and instantly fell down before him , while a burst of terrible laughter sounded in their ears .