midnight
`` And throw your body to the alligators afterward ? '' `` In that case , yes . But if what I hope takes place , there will be nothing left for the alligators -- nothing but bones without moisture in them that will seem ten centuries old . '' The Gray Mahatma sat still , contemplating with apparent equanimity his end that should begin at midnight , and I sat contemplating him , when suddenly a new idea occurred to me . `` You intend to surrender to your executioners at midnight ? '' I asked him . He nodded gravely .