nearly midnight
He had told Roger that he was to listen for the cry of an owl outside , twice repeated ; and that upon hearing this , he would know that his friends were without . Roger listened anxiously for the password from his new guard ; but as it did not come , he concluded that Cuitcatl had not been able to bribe him , and that he must himself overpower the man . The Aztec placed himself at the loophole , and stood looking out ; turning , from time to time , to see by the light of the torch , which was fixed close to where Roger was lying , that he was making no attempt to release himself from his bonds . It was not until nearly midnight that Roger heard the expected signal . No sooner was the second call given , than he pulled the knot which kept the cords together , raised himself noiselessly to his feet , and sprang upon the Aztec . Taken by surprise , the man was no more than a child in Roger 's strong grasp . In a moment he was thrown down , his cloth was twisted round his mouth , so as to prevent any cry from escaping him , and his arms were bound behind him with Roger 's rope .