noon
But as nobody criticised , his explanation was taken good-naturedly and there was secret rejoicing in the city . Of course , everybody wondered where the prisoner had gone ; most of them feared that he could not escape the officers , while others shrewdly smiled and expressed themselves as confident that so clever a gentleman could not be caught . They marveled at his boldness , his ingenuity , his assurance . The full story of the daring break for liberty flashed from lip to lip during the day , and it was known all over the water-swept city before noon . Baron Dangloss , himself , had gone to the prisoner 's cell early in the morning , mystified by the continued absence of the guard . The door was locked , but from within came groans and cries . Alarmed at once , the Captain procured duplicate keys and entered the cell .