the hour of twelve
Several moments more and the deep regular breathing of the officer gave evidence that he was sound asleep . Chester squirmed and twisted quietly in his bunk , trying to release his hands . Minute after minute he continued with untiring energy . A clock somewhere in the house struck the hour of twelve , and still Chester squirmed and twisted . As he turned this way and that , straining at his bonds , his left hand suddenly came free . Chester could hardly believe his own senses . A moment later and he had released his feet .