midnight
I could not understand a smuggler , a wrecker , and probably a pirate with pious words upon his lips ; the idea of a man whose hands were red with crime talking about peace , mercy , and loving-kindness was , to say the least , strange , and I could not repress a shudder . After his remark about the quality of the tobacco Cap'n Jack continued puffing away in silence , occasionally casting furtive glances at me . The place was very silent , save for the swish of the waves , as they poured into the outer cave , and rolled the pebbles as they came . It was now past midnight , but the month being September , there would be no light for several hours . At length Cap'n Jack looked at a huge silver watch , which he had taken from his pocket , and seemed to be making some mental calculations . `` Fine and loanly , ed 'n et , Jasper ? '' he remarked .