midnight
A sudden thought flashed through my mind . `` You wish to kill me , '' said I ; `` it can not matter to you how I die . If I answer your questions , will you let me choose the manner of my own death ? '' `` Yes , I will , '' said he , `` so long as it is before midnight to-night . '' `` Swear it ! '' I cried . `` The word of a Portuguese gentleman is sufficient , '' said he .