two o'clock
He shrugged his shoulders and asked : What would I ? The ship was a convict ship , and her appearance was a matter of no consequence . As to her speed , she could steam twelve knots , but her most economical speed was eight , and he opined that eight knots would therefore be her pace on the trip to Fernando Po , for which reason he rather pitied the unfortunate convicts who were doomed to travel in her , for she had the reputation of being a most uneasy ship in a seaway . I also ascertained from him that she is timed to sail at two o'clock on Sunday afternoon , which should bring her off our hiding-place about -- let me see -- yes , about seven o'clock on Monday morning . Now , if her skipper should chance to keep the coast pretty close aboard , as he possibly may , we ought to catch a glimpse of her from our masthead as she goes past : but if , on the other hand , he should push her off into mid-channel , to get the full benefit of the current , I think our best plan will be to allow her , say , four hours for delay in starting , and then follow until we sight her , when our further actions can be governed by circumstances . So I have instructed Perkins to pass the word round among the deck hands for everybody to take a good look at her , so that they may know her again when they see her . '' `` Good ! ''