noon
It was nightfall before he arrived ; when , bereft of all consciousness , more dead than alive , his giant strength having at length yielded to twelve hours ' fast and consuming thirst , he was dragged from the carriage ; and , on regaining his senses , found himself in a horrible subterraneous vault . The first object that presented itself to his gaze was a horrible dungeon-wall , feebly illuminated by a few rays of the moon , which forced their way through narrow crevices to a depth of nineteen fathoms . At his side he found a coarse loaf , a jug of water , and a bundle of straw for his couch . He endured this situation until noon the ensuing day , when an iron wicket in the centre of the tower was opened , and two hands were seen lowering a basket , containing food like that he had found the preceding night . For the first time since the terrible change in his fortunes did pain and suspense extort from him a question or two . Why was he brought hither ? What offence had he committed ?