midnight
This scheme of the alguazil 's was unanimously approved , and the cavalier rewarded him for it with four reals . It was carried into effect at once ; the first guest was compelled , with manifest reluctance , to open the door ; the second entered the room with many apologies for the intrusion , to which the first made no reply , nor did he even show his face ; for instantly hastening back into bed , he turned to the wall , and pretended to be asleep . The last comer also went to bed , hoping to have his curiosity satisfied in the morning when they both got up . The night was one of the long and weary ones of December , when the cold and the fatigues of the day should naturally have disposed the two travellers to sleep ; but they had not that effect on the first of the pair , who not long after midnight began to sigh and moan as if his heart would break . His lamentations awoke the occupant of the other bed , who distinctly overheard the following soliloquy , though uttered in a faint and tremulous voice , broken by sighs and sobs . `` Wretch that I am ! Whither is the irresistible force of my destiny hurrying me ?