Final answer:
The hitch in the escape can be unforeseen distractions or failures that interfere with the plan, like forgetting to rewind chronometers, being distracted by the environment, or other people's actions causing a pause or diversion.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of these excerpts, the hitch in the escape that tipped the men off and made them shoot, or what slowed down an almost perfect escape, relates to unforeseen circumstances or distractions that interfere with the escape plan.
For instance, the sudden lack of attention on a hidden detail or an unexpected sound can cause a plan to unravel. In one scenario, the failure to rewind their chronometers left the men lost and uncertain, crucially impacting their escape. In another, the distinct, metallic percussion of a watch's ticking brought consciousness to a condemned man, distracting him from his impending doom and thoughts of escape.
And in a different case, an imperious command diverts the attention of professional executioners, temporarily postponing an individual's misfortune. Each example illustrates a different aspect of what can go wrong in an escape attempt, from technical failures to environmental distractions and human interference.