eight o’clock
It was not even probable that his attention had been awakened by the screen of green branches and creepers hiding the windows of Granite House , and showing rather conspicuously on the bare rock . Indeed , how could he imagine that a dwelling was hollowed out , at that height , in the solid granite ? From Claw Cape to the Mandible Capes , in all the extent of Union Bay , there was nothing to lead him to suppose that the island was or could be inhabited . At eight o'clock , however , the colonists observed a movement on board the `` Speedy . '' A boat was lowered , and seven men jumped into her . They were armed with muskets ; one took the yoke-lines , four others the oars , and the two others , kneeling in the bows , ready to fire , reconnoitered the island . Their object was no doubt to make an examination but not to land , for in the latter case they would have come in larger numbers .