midnight
There is no doubt about that whatever . He was nearly four days dying , and the sentries stood guard over him until he ceased to breathe , a little after sunset yesterday evening . So they say , at all events . A little before midnight , in Daphne , near one of those booths where the caterers prepare hot meals , a man strode up to where some slaves were seated around a fire . He burned a piece of parchment . All nine slaves agree that he was about Maternus ' height and build ; that he strode like a man who had been hurt ; that he had mud and grass stains on his knees , and covered his face with a toga . They also swear he said he was Maternus , and that he was gone before they could recover their wits .