midnight
And so he lay still until his sickness diminished and was gradually succeeded by drowsiness , which was not long in merging into slumber . Whoever yet remembered the moment he went to sleep ? Whoever lay still to gain a few moments of slumber without obtaining far more than he expected , and regretting it when his intellect became sharp and clear ? It was near midnight when Elwood awoke , and all was blank darkness . He called to Howard and Tim , and not until he had felt around with his hands , did he remember his situation . Then it all came to him . `` This is a pretty piece of business , '' he thought , as he arose to his feet .