noon
With a knife I tested the resistance of the mortar , breaking the point of the blade , yet detaching quite a chunk , and wrenching out one small stone . Beyond doubt the task might be accomplished -- but what was below ? How was I to get down those smoothly plastered walls -- and back again , if necessary ? I glanced at my watch ; it was already nearing noon , and at any moment food might be brought me . I must wait until after that ; then I should probably remain undisturbed for several hours . I shoved back the bed in such position its head-board completely concealed the slight excavation , and sat down upon it , planning anew how best to proceed . The time passed with no unusual sound reaching me from the hall without .