four in the morning
The conspirators then groped their way along the walls , not wishing to light a candle , for fear of giving an alarm , and trusting to chance to lead them in the right road . They were justified in doing so , for Lanzi reached a door , which he mechanically pushed , and which was ajar . This door opened into a long corridor lighted by a lamp , and the insurgents boldly entered the passage , after taking the precaution to take down the lamp and put it out . It was now about half-past four in the morning , and day was beginning to break . At the end of the passage , the Jaguar perceived a motionless shadow leaning against the wall . At an order from his Chief , the half-breed glided like a serpent up to this shadow , which was nothing less than a sentry , who was quietly asleep , with his musket by his side , and on coming within reach , the half-breed bounded like a tiger at the throat of the sleeper , whom he threw down without giving him time to utter a cry . The poor fellow was bound and gagged , ere he was sufficiently awake to understand what was happening to him .