midnight
The grapes were no other than gold coins which tinkled merrily as they swayed in the wind . They seemed to say , `` Let him who wants us take us ! '' Just as Pinocchio stretched out his hand to take a handful of them , he was awakened by three loud knocks at the door . It was the Innkeeper who had come to tell him that midnight had struck . `` Are my friends ready ? '' the Marionette asked him . `` Indeed , yes !