four o'clock
And in presence of the children God had given them , they bound their hearts to suffering and death . Fatigue and fear had overcome the little ones , and in a short time they were sleeping soundly upon the floor . After some further conversation between the Captain and his wife , it was agreed that he should attempt to proceed before dawn in the little boat to Annapolis Royal , and there , if possible , purchase a small vessel suitable to convey his goods and family up the river to his grant of land . At four o'clock he secretly and alone left the fort , waving with his hand an adieu to his wife , as he stepped out of the door . He carried with him to the boat a camp blanket which he intended to hoist as a sail . At four o'clock , thirty minutes , he was on his way . As the little boat passed the island at the mouth of the harbour a breeze sprang up .