one in the morning
I fixed on the evening of that very day as the period of my evasion . Even in this short interval I had perhaps sufficient time for deliberation . But all opportunity was useless to me ; my mind was fixed , and each succeeding moment only increased the unspeakable eagerness with which I meditated my escape . The hours usually observed by our family in this country residence were regular ; and one in the morning was the time I selected for my undertaking . In searching the apartment where I slept , I had formerly discovered a concealed door , which led to a small apartment of the most secret nature , not uncommon in houses so old as that of Mr. Falkland , and which had perhaps served as a refuge from persecution , or a security from the inveterate hostilities of a barbarous age . I believed no person was acquainted with this hiding-place but myself . I felt unaccountably impelled to remove into it the different articles of my personal property .