four o'clock
Just then there was a cheer from the shore , and on looking in that direction there was the doctor now beside Bob Chowne , and they evidently realised what was taking place , for both shouted and waved their hats . They would have come off to us , but there was no boat to be had nearer than Ripplemouth ; so they watched us while Bigley went down again and again till ten boxes had been recovered , when my father refused to let him go down any more , in spite of his prayers and declarations that he was all right and could go down as often as we liked . My father was determined , though , and made him dress himself and help row ashore with us so as to carry the chests up to the cottage ; but as soon as they were landed my father sent up to the mine and all the men were fetched to bear the silver up , and it was placed in safety in the restored cellar . The spot had of course been left buoyed , and a couple of men were awarded the task of watching the place till after dinner , when towards four o'clock we all went down again , Bigley declaring himself ready to dive . By this time I had come to the conclusion that I was behaving in a very cowardly way in letting him do all the work , and without saying a word I determined to quietly undress ready , and take the next turn . The doctor and Bob Chowne , who had said just what I anticipated , joined us this time , while everyone occupied in the Gap came down to see the astounding fact that the Frenchmen had not got the silver after all . We rowed out and made fast as before , and Bigley went down ; but instead of paying any attention to his dive I let the others watch him , got ready , and then , as a fresh box was recovered , I leaped overboard , crying , `` My turn now ! ''