midnight
I felt for it instantly ; it was there . In a few seconds more I had , after a fashion , pinioned the creature 's arms . I now felt tolerably secure . There was nothing more to be done but to turn on the gas , and , having first seen what my midnight assailant was like , arouse the household . I will confess to being actuated by a certain pride in not giving the alarm before ; I wished to make the capture alone and unaided . Never losing my hold for an instant , I slipped from the bed to the floor , dragging my captive with me . I had but a few steps to make to reach the gas-burner ; these I made with the greatest caution , holding the creature in a grip like a vice .