six o’clock
`` I must make the solution stronger , I think , '' he said , grievously disappointed at the outcome of his labors , and as he looked at it he heard the clank of the withdrawing bolts . Blowing out the candle he sprang to the floor of the cell , picked up the table , set it down in the center of the room , groped for the chair , and sat down , his heart palpitating wildly at the fear of discovery . Followed as usual by the man with the lantern , the gaoler came in , carrying a bowl of hot steaming soup , which he placed on the table , then he took from his pocket a spoon , a small hunk of black bread , and a piece of cheese . In the light of the lantern Lermontoff consulted his watch , and found it was six o'clock . The gaoler took the lantern from his assistant , held it high , and looked round the room , while Lermontoff gazed at him in anxiety , wondering whether that brutal looking official suspected anything . Apparently he did not , but merely wished to satisfy himself that everything was in order , for he said more mildly than he had hitherto spoken : `` It is a long time since any one occupied this cell . '' Then his eye rested on the vacant corner shelf .