nine o'clock
There was an open communication between my room and that of the Superior . My resolution was , if he refused quietly to surrender the keys , to force him , by fear of the pistol , to deliver them up , and then by their help to gain the street . I impatiently awaited the moment for executing my purpose . The porter arrived at his usual time , that is to say , soon after nine o'clock . I allowed an hour to elapse , in order that the priests as well as the servants might be all asleep . I at length proceeded with my pistol and a lighted candle . I first gave a gentle tap at the governor 's door to awaken without alarming him .