midnight
The rain came lighter and then ceased entirely . The clouds parted in the center as if they had been slashed across by a sword blade , and then rolled away to left and right . The heavens became a silky blue , and the stars sprang out in sparkling groups . It was past midnight when Holdsworth moved slightly , like one half awakening from a deep sleep . But his elbow touched the man Fowler , and he said a few words to him in a whisper . Then he sank back into his relaxed position , and apparently was asleep again . Fowler himself did not move for at least ten minutes .