midnight
`` Then what is it ? '' demanded Hite arrogantly , as if he claimed the right to know . `` I really could n't undertake to say , '' the stranger responded , his definite manner so conclusive an embargo on further inquiries that Hite felt rising anew all his former doubts of the man , and his fears and suspicions as to the errand that had brought him hither . Could it be possible , he argued within himself , that to the agency of `` revenuers '' was due that mysterious glow , more brilliant than any ordinary fire , steady , suffusive , continuous , rising in the dark wilderness , in the deep midnight , to reveal that ominous face overlooking all the countryside , with subtle flickers of laughter running athwart its wonted contortions , more weird and sinister in this ghastly glare than by day ? And what significance might attend these strange machinations ? Revolving the idea , he presently shook his head in conclusive negation as he rode along . The approach of raiders was silent and noiseless and secret .