midnight
The Emir is alarmed ; he fears for himself , not for you . His troops are few since he despatched the caravan to Zaila , and at night , for better security , he takes guards from the prison courtyard and stations them before the palace . This leaves three guards to contend with ; one watches in the corridor , one stands before the prison door , and the third guards the gateway that opens from the prison yard on to a dark avenue of the town . If all goes well you will be free men at midnight . I must hurry away now . Listen well to my instructions , and do just as I tell you . `` You , '' and he turned to Melton , `` must pretend that your wound is bad .