midnight
There is nothing else to do . '' The boys kept up their conversation for some time , and the more they talked the more they became convinced that their plight was more serious than they had at first supposed . It seemed very plain to them now that Lord Hastings must believe in their guilt and that he would not raise a finger in their behalf . It was after midnight and the boys were still talking when the key again turned in the lock of the heavy door . It swung inward and their captor entered . `` Down stairs , '' he said briefly , motioning them to march down ahead of him . The lads obeyed this order .