nearly ten o'clock
But for the musical sound of the waves all was silent ; the night was clear and bright ; the moon 's beams played with the sea , making the waves shine like diamonds . Even although my mind was filled with many doubts , I felt that I had seldom seen a fairer night , and I dreamed of leading Naomi to the lanes outside the town and telling her again of my love . Presently I came to the drawbridge near the castle gates . I knew it was nearly ten o'clock , but it might want a few minutes to the hour , so I went and leaned against the castle walls . I thought I heard a whisper , for my ears were eager to catch the sound of my love 's footsteps ; so I went back to the gates again ; then I heard a quick shuffling of feet , and before I could turn around my arms were pinioned , my eyes were bandaged , and some woollen substance was thrust into my mouth . I saw now what the letter meant . It was not written by Naomi at all , and in my heart I cursed myself as a blockhead for being so easily duped .