midnight
Let them beseech God , by constant prayer , to forgive them , and they may prevail , but not otherwise . '' `` And when are these fires to be lighted ? '' asked the apprentice . `` To-night , at midnight , '' replied Solomon Eagle . He then took Leonard by the hand , and led him back the same way he had brought him . On reaching the spiral staircase , he said , `` If you desire to behold a sight , such as a man has seldom witnessed , ascend to the summit of this tower an hour after midnight , when all these fires are lighted . A small door on the left of the northern entrance shall be left open .