midnight
While Hans was at work , I actively assisted my uncle to prepare a long wick , made from damp gunpowder , the mass of which we finally enclosed in a bag of linen . `` We are bound to go through , '' I cried , enthusiastically . `` We are bound to go through , '' responded the Professor , tapping me on the back . At midnight , our work as miners was completely finished ; the charge of fulminating cotton was thrust into the hollow , and the match , which we had made of considerable length , was ready . A spark was now sufficient to ignite this formidable engine , and to blow the rock to atoms ! `` We will now rest until tomorrow . '' It was absolutely necessary to resign myself to my fate , and to consent to wait for the explosion for six weary hours !