an hour after midnight
asked the apprentice . `` To-night , at midnight , '' replied Solomon Eagle . He then took Leonard by the hand , and led him back the same way he had brought him . On reaching the spiral staircase , he said , `` If you desire to behold a sight , such as a man has seldom witnessed , ascend to the summit of this tower an hour after midnight , when all these fires are lighted . A small door on the left of the northern entrance shall be left open . It will conduct you to the back of the choir , and you must then find your way hither as well as you can . '' Murmuring his thanks , Leonard hurried down the spiral staircase , and quitting the cathedral , proceeded in the direction of Wood-street .