midnight
Every now and then there came a sound that told him of the things that were happening on the ground floor ; and in the intervals of silence he began to suffer from an oppressive sense of unreality . This disruption of the routine of life was so strange as to seem incredible . They were making up the two big bags for the up mail and the down mail ; and he was lying here like a state prisoner , of no account for the time being , while below him his realm remained actively working . As midnight approached , an increasing anxiety possessed him . The horse and cart had been standing under the window for what appeared to be hours , and yet they would not bring out the bags . What in the name of reason were they waiting for now ? Then at last he detected the movement of shuffling footsteps ; he heard voices -- Ridgett 's voice among the others ; a wheel grated against the curbstone , and the cart rolled away .