about noon
How that was to be done was the point at issue . One thing was certain , that it was necessary to leave the bay that night , or it would be too late . Fortunately , there was always a light breeze during the night , and the nights were dark , for there was no moon till three o'clock in the morning , by which time we could have gained the offing , and then we might laugh at the slaver , as we were lighter in our heels . The boat came off with the water about noon , and the men went to dinner . The captain had agreed to dine with the governor , and I had been asked to accompany him . It was to be our farewell dinner , as we were to sail the next morning . I had been cogitating a long while to find out how to get rid of these fellows , when at last I determined that I would go on shore with the captain , and propose a plan to the governor .