midnight
He sat thus a long time , till he felt that his blood was flowing more calmly , and the wild , quick beating of his pulse had subsided -- till the pain in his hands and limbs was quieted , and he had won new strength . He then rose from the floor , took his knife , and recommenced his work . He moved more slowly than before , but his work progressed . It could scarcely be midnight , and half the door was cut through . The moon shed her peerless rays through the little window and lighted his work , and showed him what remained to be done . In two hours he would finish , and then remained only the fifth door which opened on the wall , and which Gefhart assured him was not difficult . In three hours the work would be done -- in three hours he might stand without , in the fresh , free air of heaven , himself a free and happy man .