midday
If the coal party had not gone , he would be discovered in a few moments , and brought back to his island prison . In his exhaustion and misery , he accepted the alternative and slept again . As he laid down his aching head , Mr. Troke was reporting his death to Vickers , and while he still slept , the Ladybird , on her way out , passed him so closely that any one on board her might , with a good glass , have espied his slumbering figure as it lay upon the sand . When he woke it was past midday , and the sun poured its full rays upon him . His clothes were dry in all places , save the side on which he had been lying , and he rose to his feet refreshed by his long sleep . He scarcely comprehended , as yet , his true position . He had escaped , it was true , but not for long .