two o'clock
`` That 's all very well , sir , '' said Hobbs , removing the unlighted pipe from his lips , `` but you ` ave n't got a dog and a parrot locked up in your rooms with no one to feed them . It makes me sick , ` pon my soul , sir , to think of them dying of thirst and all that , and me here safe and sound , so to speak . '' That night Haddan and a fellow-subaltern attempted to leave the Castle grounds by way of the private gate in the western wall , only to be driven back by careful watchers on the outside . A second attempt was made at two o'clock . This time they went through the crypt into the secret underground passage . As they crawled forth into the blackest of nights , clear of the walls , they were met by a perfect fusillade of rifle shots . Haddan 's companion was shot through the leg and arm and it was with extreme difficulty that the pair succeeded in regaining the passage and closing the door .