five o'clock in the morning
The weather was fine , the barometer was rising , the wind appeared settled , everything then was in favour of these brave men whom an act of humanity was taking far from their island . Thus it had been agreed that Cyrus Harding , Neb , and Gideon Spilett , should remain at Granite House , but an objection was raised , and Spilett , who had not forgotten his business as reporter to the _ New York Herald _ , having declared that he would go by swimming rather than lose such an opportunity , he was admitted to take a part in the voyage . The evening was occupied in transporting on board the _ Bonadventure _ articles of bedding , utensils , arms , ammunition , a compass , provisions for a week , and this business being rapidly accomplished the colonists ascended to Granite House . The next day , at five o'clock in the morning , the farewells were said , not without some emotion on both sides , and Pencroft setting sail made towards Claw Cape , which had to be doubled in order to proceed to the south-west . The _ Bonadventure _ was already a quarter of a mile from the coast , when the passengers perceived on the heights of Granite House two men waving their farewells ; they were Cyrus Harding and Neb. . `` Our friends , '' exclaimed Spilett , `` this is our first separation for fifteen months . '' Pencroft , the reporter , and Herbert waved in return , and Granite House soon disappeared behind the high rocks of the Cape .