nearly midnight
They also gave them the oils and the vegetables and meat , and all the other supplies . That night Tirant and his men stood watch over the port . The Genoese ships -- especially the captain 's ship -- were very close to land . It was nearly midnight when a sailor approached Tirant and said : `` Sir , what would your grace give to someone who , tomorrow night , set fire to the ship that 's so close to shore , and that they say belongs to the Genoese captain ? '' `` If anyone could do that , '' said Tirant , `` I would gladly give him three thousand gold crowns . '' `` Sir , '' said the sailor , `` if you promise me , on your word as a knight , to give them to me , I will do everything I can . And if I 'm not able to do it I will become your slave . ''