midnight
There is the saw , too , which does not appear to be popular . We could hang you , no doubt , but it would involve the inconvenience of going down to the wood . However , a promise is a promise , and you seem to be an excellent fellow , so we will spare no pains to meet your wishes . '' `` You said , '' I answered , `` that I must die before midnight . I will choose , therefore , just one minute before that hour . '' `` Very good , '' said he . `` Such clinging to life is rather childish , but your wishes shall be met . ''