thirty-seven minutes past eight
`` Lieutenant Davon , '' I said , `` I do not think there is any particular reason why I should stay in there with Roch . If I can help you to get through the tunnel , pray command me . '' `` Yes , I shall be glad to have you by me , Mr. Hart . '' It was then exactly thirty-seven minutes past eight . The search-lamp threw a vague light through the water ahead of the _ Sword _ . From where we were , we had to cross the lagoon through its entire length to get to the tunnel . It would be pretty difficult to fetch it , we knew , but , if necessary , we could hug the sides of the lake until we located it .