about one o'clock in the morning
Part of the corridor through which he had passed was hewn from the solid rock , and part was built of masonry . The wooden partition opposite him was obviously the beginning of the used part of the castle , but admitting that he could pass it , in which direction would it lead him ? He feared to strike another match , for beyond the door perhaps someone might be moving . It was now , as nearly as Renwick could judge , about one o'clock in the morning . He crossed the crypt carefully and found the partition , feeling its surface , which was made of rough boards loosely nailed together . He put his eye to one of the cracks and peering in , could see nothing ; but a current of warmer air which came through the slits , slightly aromatic in odor , warned him that the space beyond was surely connected with the habitable part of the castle -- a wine cellar perhaps , or a storage room . He debated for a moment whether it was wise to use another light and then at last decided to take the risk , and as matches were scarce , found the ancient candle in the iron lamp , which after sputtering feebly for a moment , consented to burn .