midnight
Domingo marched in front , carrying his lighted torch , and they proceeded amidst the rejoicings of the whole troop , and overwhelmed with their benedictions . Virginia , affected by this scene , said to Paul , with emotion , ` O , my dear brother ! God never leaves a good action without reward . ' `` It was midnight when they arrived at the foot of the mountain , on the ridges of which several fires were lighted . Scarcely had they begun to ascend , when they heard voices crying out , ` Is it you , my children ? ' They answered together with the negroes , ` Yes , it is us ; ' and soon after perceived their mothers and Mary coming towards them with lighted sticks in their hands . ` Unhappy children ! '