midnight
was given , and the hauling up commenced . It was done very slowly , and with the greatest care . A sudden jerk might snap the chains ; an incautious twist might put a kink on the air tube ; besides , it was well known that the sudden removal of heavy pressure resulting from rapid ascent , is attended by very disagreeable sensations , which have sometimes even proved fatal . It was near midnight when the Clubmen were lifted out of the manhole . Their faces were pale , their eyes bloodshot , their figures stooped . Even the _ Herald _ Reporter seemed to have got enough of exploring . But Marston was as confident as ever , and tried to be as brisk .