about midnight
It took me half an hour , but at the end of that time I had succeeded . Nighthawk listened , with bent head , and pale face covered with drops of cold perspiration , to my orders . These orders were to have the horses put to the carriage , which was to be ready at my call ; then to proceed with a trusty servant , or more if necessary , to a private spot on the river , which I described to him ; dig a grave of full length and depth ; and when his work was finished , return and report the fact to me , cautioning the servant or servants to say nothing . `` This work , I calculated , would be completed about midnight -- and at midnight I promised myself an interview with my friend Mortimer . `` Nighthawk groaned as he listened to my cold and resolute voice , giving minute instructions for the work of darkness -- looked at my face , to discover if there were any signs of yielding there -- doubtless saw none whatever -- and disappeared , uttering a groan , to carry out the orders which he had received from me . `` Then I took the two foils from the top of the bookcase where they were kept ; broke off the buttons by placing my heel upon them ; procured a file , and sharpened the points until they would have penetrated through an ordinary plank . That was sufficient , I said to myself -- they would pierce a man 's breast -- and placing them on the buffet , I went to a drawer and took out a loaded revolver , which I thrust into my breast .