ten o'clock
What to me , in like case , would have been a solemn satisfaction , the bare suggestion , even , terrifies the Spaniard into this trance . Poor Alexandro Aranda ! what would you say could you here see your friend -- who , on former voyages , when you , for months , were left behind , has , I dare say , often longed , and longed , for one peep at you -- now transported with terror at the least thought of having you anyway nigh him . At this moment , with a dreary grave-yard toll , betokening a flaw , the ship 's forecastle bell , smote by one of the grizzled oakum-pickers , proclaimed ten o'clock , through the leaden calm ; when Captain Delano 's attention was caught by the moving figure of a gigantic black , emerging from the general crowd below , and slowly advancing towards the elevated poop . An iron collar was about his neck , from which depended a chain , thrice wound round his body ; the terminating links padlocked together at a broad band of iron , his girdle . `` How like a mute Atufal moves , '' murmured the servant . The black mounted the steps of the poop , and , like a brave prisoner , brought up to receive sentence , stood in unquailing muteness before Don Benito , now recovered from his attack .