midnight
The legs never moved . Therefore , the hapless creature was either asleep or under the influence of an anaesthetic -- or -LRB- horrible thought ! -RRB- dead . Racksole wanted to call out , to stop by some means or other the dreadful midnight activity which was proceeding before his astonished eyes ; but fortunately he restrained himself . On the washstand he could see certain strangely-shaped utensils and instruments which Rocco used from time to time . The work seemed to Racksole to continue for interminable hours , and then at last Rocco ceased , gave a sign of satisfaction , whistled several bars from ` Cavalleria Rusticana ' , and came into the bath-room , where he took off his coat , and very quietly washed his hands . As he stood calmly and leisurely wiping those long fingers of his , he was less than four feet from Racksole , and the cooped-up millionaire trembled , holding his breath , lest Rocco should detect his presence behind the woodwork .