midnight
`` This is a good deal larger than the last , '' Ronald whispered . It was not until some little time after they had finished their meal that Ronald moved to the grating and unrolled the little ball of paper ; it contained only the words : `` You will receive a rope this evening . With this lower yourselves from your window into the courtyard . Start when you hear the church bells strike midnight , cross the court and stand against the wall near the right hand corner of the opposite side . The third window on the second floor will be opened , and a rope lowered to you . Attach yourselves to this , and you will be pulled up from above . '' After reading the note Ronald passed it on to Malcolm , who , as before , swallowed it , but had this time to tear it into several pieces before doing so .