midnight
I heard a short struggle below and an oath or two in French . The wounded sergeant had not waited long for his vengeance . For some minutes I did not dare to move , for it seemed certain that someone would be attracted by the noise . However , all was silent save for the chimes striking midnight in the city . I crept along the branch and lifted myself on to the roof . The Spaniard 's gun was lying there , but it was of no service to me , since he had the powder-horn at his belt . At the same time , if it were found , it would warn the enemy that something had happened , so I thought it best to drop it over the wall .