midnight
Then he started up , and paced up and down wildly , unable to yield so calmly to despair . Then once more he sank down upon the straw . Thus he was lying , crouched down , his head in his hands , overwhelmed utterly , when suddenly a deep sound came to his ears , which in an instant made him start to his feet , and drove away every despairing thought , bringing in place of these a new wave of hope , and joy , and amazement . It was the single toll of the great bell , which , as he knew , always sounded at midnight . Midnight ! Was it possible ? Midnight had not passed , then .