midnight
`` It is not impossible , '' returned the Parsee . They lay down at the foot of a tree , and waited . The time seemed long ; the guide ever and anon left them to take an observation on the edge of the wood , but the guards watched steadily by the glare of the torches , and a dim light crept through the windows of the pagoda . They waited till midnight ; but no change took place among the guards , and it became apparent that their yielding to sleep could not be counted on . The other plan must be carried out ; an opening in the walls of the pagoda must be made . It remained to ascertain whether the priests were watching by the side of their victim as assiduously as were the soldiers at the door . After a last consultation , the guide announced that he was ready for the attempt , and advanced , followed by the others .