nine o'clock
`` Oh , it 's all right , Dr Robson , '' said the skipper , `` only you must leave all this shore-going to me . I know my lads ; you do n't . '' Just then Craig , the mate , came up on deck , looking very sour at having been awakened from a comfortable sleep , and did not scruple about setting the delinquents to work upon some very unnecessary task , to the great delight of their messmates , who , headed by Joe Cross , gave them pretty freely to understand what their opinion was of the scheme to get a run ashore . It was towards evening that , after a hasty meal , partaken of in peace in the still waters of the harbour , tempted by a few gleams of sunshine , and for Rodd 's gratification , Uncle Paul and Rodd were rowed ashore in the same boat as the skipper , who had business with the English Consul about his papers , the understanding being that the boat was to go back and meet them at nine o'clock . `` That 's as long as we shall want to stay , Rodd , '' said Uncle Paul . `` Yes , sir , '' said the skipper ; `` and if I were you I 'd turn in early for a good night 's rest , for I 'm thinking we shall have dirty weather again to-morrow , and there 's no knowing how long it will last . '' `` But it looks so bright to-night , '' cried Rodd .