midnight
Nevertheless he accepted the state of affairs with calm resignation , and he and the American Captain laid their heads together to find out exactly where they were and what course they had best pursue . As they had had time to take with them a sextant chromometer and Palinurus , they had no difficulty next day in taking observations , and found themselves about five hundred miles W.N.W. of Mizen Head . As it was no use depending on being picked up they made all sail in that direction , and so rapidly did the strong west wind propel them that on taking observations the next day they found themselves nearly one hundred and fifty miles nearer land . It was fortunate that they made such headway , for they had only one day 's provisions left , and the water was getting pretty scarce ; however , the wind continued favorable , and in less than three days more , half famished and thoroughly chilled from exposure , they found themselves at midnight a few miles from the entrance of Queenstown Harbor . Furling their sales , they took to the oars with a will and pulled wildly towards the landing-place , where they were pleased to hear voices in conversation . Just then a long whistle was heard from shore , and a husky voice half whispered , `` Boat ahoy ! '' `` Aye , aye , '' was the glad response as the shipwrecked men threw the painter to the owner of the voice , and taking their arms and instruments , bounded on shore .