midnight
Moreover , he had taken counsel with Willett , and Willett had said that he would be the last man to deny a classmate and comrade any honor justly his due , nor would he stand in the way of General Archer 's writing anything he saw fit , _ but _ , as the officer present on the spot and cognizant of all the circumstances connected with Harris 's going , _ he _ had yet a report to make to the department commander . `` Frankly , general , '' said he , `` I do not wish to say what I know unless I have to -- and your changing your report might make it necessary . '' This had occurred the night before ` Tonio 's coming , and now , in the silence of midnight , as the two sat smoking on the veranda , while Lilian lay in her little white room listening in wordless rapture , in sweet unrest , to the murmurous sound of the deep voice that had enthralled her senses , while Mrs. Archer , wife and mother , slept the sleep of the just and the wearied , the old general turned again to that subject that weighed so heavily on his heart and soul . `` By heaven , Willett , '' he said , `` here it is midnight and no Sanchez . If he is n't in by mail-time to-morrow I 'll have to send a party -- or else a courier -- to Prescott . '' `` Does the mail usually reach you Sunday , sir ? '' `` Has n't failed once since my coming !