midnight
Then we will get back , and be satisfied with our night 's work . '' `` Yes , '' said Yussuf , when he reached the stone again ; `` it is all quite plain . I could come up and down here in the dark , and there will be light enough at the bottom in the daytime to see what to do . '' He raised the stone after extinguishing his lamp , and they both stepped out ; the stone was lowered into its place , a little earth and dust thrown over it and a few fragments of rubbish , and then the midnight wanderers stole back to the prison , but only to stop short in the shadow with Lawrence chilled by horror . For , as they were about to step up to the portal , one of the guards yawned loudly , rose , and walked to the rug , drew it aside , and looked in . He stood there gazing in so long , that it seemed as if he must have discovered that there were absentees ; but , just as Lawrence was in despair , he dropped the curtain , walked back to his companion , and sat down with his back to the portal . Yussuf wasted no time , but glided along in the shadow , and Lawrence followed ; but as he reached the portal he kicked against a piece of loose stone and the guards sprang up .