about midday
Then he was able to sit down on his bed ; but when the water sank to a depth of two feet , he again lay on his back and floated . He knew that a thick deposit of mud would be left , and that it was essential for his plan that he should drift to the exit hole of the water , and there be found , with the mud and slime undisturbed by footsteps or movement . Another ten minutes , and he lay on his back on the ground in a corner of the dungeon to which the water had floated him , having taken care towards the end to sink his head so that his hair floated partly over it , and as the water drained off remained so . He guessed it to be about midday , and he expected to be left undisturbed until night . After a time he slept , and when he awoke it was dark , and soon after he heard steps coming down the stairs . Now was the moment of trial . Presently the door opened and four of the gaolers came in .