two o'clock in the morning
He was not sure it was one of the boys , but he was taking no chances , for he had a real respect for their prowess and audacity as he might well have . So he had sent one of his crew to guard this young lions ' den , while the ship was so close in shore . He did not intend to stay longer than was necessary right at this point , and he waited with some anxiety for the return of the mate and Pete in the boat . It was now two o'clock in the morning and Captain Broom wanted to be out at sea a good safe distance before the light broke . The mate 's boat had now been gone over a half-hour , and the Captain stood at the end of the Bridge looking towards the shore . There was not a light upon the vessel to show her position . She lay silent and black upon the dark waters .