The second trumpet blew and the knights laid their lances in rest.

Then ere the third trumpet could sound, suddenly the darkness of midnight swallowed all the scene.
Dick groped his way to Hugh's side.

"Bide where you are," he said, "the end of the world is here; let us meet it like men and together." "Ay," answered Hugh, and his voice rang hollow through his closed visor, "without doubt it is the end of the world, and Murgh, the Minister, has been sent to open the doors of heaven and hell.

God have mercy on us all!" So they stayed there, hearkening to the groans and prayers of the terrified multitude about them, Dick holding the bridle of the horse, which shook from head to foot, but never stirred.

For some minutes they remained thus, till suddenly the sky began to lighten, but with no natural light.