about two
o'clock in the afternoon
But she steadily drew ahead , and ere long it was seen that the four grabs were being hopelessly outpaced . They kept up the chase for the best part of an hour , but as they neared the British port they recognized that they were running into danger and had the discretion to draw off . Now that the pursuit was over , Desmond ventured to steer due northeast , and the coastline became more distinctly visible . It was about two o'clock in the afternoon , judging by the height of the sun , when the serang , pointing shorewards , said : `` There is Bombay , sahib . '' `` You are sure ? '' `` Yes ; I know it by the cluster of palmyra trees . No one can mistake them . ''