four in the morning
Why ? Then he thought of that _ other _ one , binding her , linking her forever to the creature , who stood in danger of his life . With an oath he sprang to the door , but the door would not open , -- or was it that he pressed it back , -- locked it , -- and flung himself on his knees beside the bed , knowing that he dared not for his life 's sake leave what was his all in life . It was four in the morning when he came out of the Prison of the Condemned with the Secretary of the American Legation . A knot of people had gathered around the American Minister 's carriage , which stood in front of the prison , the horses stamping and pawing in the icy street , the coachman huddled on the box , wrapped in furs . Southwark helped the Secretary into the carriage , and shook hands with Trent , thanking him for coming . `` How the scoundrel did stare , '' he said ; `` your evidence was worse than a kick , but it saved his skin for the moment at least , -- and prevented complications . ''