noon
The supply of firewood was gradually diminished ; and so was the quantity of food . The ailments of the prisoners were aggravated , from day-to-day ; and if the Commandant had favoured them with his presence , he would have believed that he saw two dusky shadows amidst the gloom of their cell , rather than men . One morning , Toussaint awoke , slowly and with difficulty , from a sleep which appeared to have been strangely sound for one who could not move a limb without pain , and who rarely , therefore , slept for many minutes together . It must have been strangely long , too ; for the light was as strong as it had ever been at noon in this dim cell . Before he rose , Toussaint felt that there was sunshine in the air ; and the thought that spring was come , sent a gleam of pleasure through his spirit . It was true enough . As he stood before the window , something like a shadow might be seen on the floor .