ten o'clock
Two small islets pretty effectually masked its entrance ; and a dry sandbank in the middle of it occupied more than half its area , leaving a narrow channel all round it , the water in which was only just deep enough to afford unimpeded passage to the boat . It was stark calm inside the cove , they were , therefore , obliged to lower the sails , strike the masts , and use the oars to reach the head of the creek ; but when they arrived there they found a steep bank so completely overhung with trees and bushes that , when once the boat had been forced in underneath the branches , she might remain there for days with little or no fear of discovery . In this exceedingly snug berth it seemed almost ridiculous to think of keeping a watch ; yet , being in the enemy 's territory , they decided to do so ; Marshall undertaking to stand the first watch of two hours , while Dick agreed to take the second . When , at ten o'clock , Marshall aroused Dick , in order that the latter might stand his watch , the Captain whispered : `` I 've been thinking about a good many things while I have been sitting here these two hours agone in the stern-sheets of this boat . And , among other matters , I have thought that it might be very useful to know something more than we do about those two batteries that we took notice of while we were on the point yonder to-day . Now , I 'm not a bit sleepy . I do n't believe I could get to sleep if I tried -- also the night is delightfully cool ; and , although the moon has gone down , the stars give quite enough light for my purpose , therefore , I am going to take a little walk along the shore to that battery on the beach .