midnight
He might almost have been waiting to be shaved . The stuffiness increased to a degree that is sometimes preached in Christian churches as belonging to a sulphurous sphere beyond the grave . Yet he did not move a muscle . It was long after midnight when his vigil was rewarded by a slight sound at the door . From that instant his eyes were on the watch , under dark of closed lashes ; but his even breathing was that of the seventh stage of sleep that knows no dreams . A click of the door-latch heralded the appearance of a hand . With skill , of the sort that only special training can develop , a man in native dress insinuated himself into the carriage without making another sound of any kind .