noon
Such was Captain Blood 's assurance of success that he immediately freed the prisoners held as hostages , and even the negro slaves , who were regarded by the others as legitimate plunder . His only precaution against those released prisoners was to order them into the church and there lock them up , to await deliverance at the hands of those who should presently be coming into the city . Then , all being aboard the three ships , with the treasure safely stowed in their holds and the slaves under hatches , the buccaneers weighed anchor and stood out for the bar , each vessel towing three piraguas astern . The Admiral , beholding their stately advance in the full light of noon , their sails gleaming white in the glare of the sunlight , rubbed his long , lean hands in satisfaction , and laughed through his teeth . `` At last ! '' he cried . `` God delivers him into my hands ! ''