midnight
It would be my duty . You can not escape -- only by death . I regret , m ` sieur , that I have been compelled to put the alternative so bluntly , but you know full well the great issues at stake in this affair . Therefore I need say nothing further , except to bid you _ au revoir _ -- till midnight . '' Then the portly man bowed -- bowed as politely as though he were in the presence of a crowned head -- and , turning upon his heel , left the room , followed by his host , who personally opened the door for him as he bade him good-night . One hour 's grace had been given Philip Poland . After that , the blackness of death .