midnight
He ordered a skiff to be sent to a certain place in Haverstraw Creek , then went to Smith 's house . They soon had everything ready except the boatmen to row the skiff . Samuel and Joseph Colquhon were asked to serve , but refused until Arnold threatened them with punishment , when they yielded . `` It was near midnight when at last they pushed off from the shore , and so still that not a leaf stirred in the forests , and there was not a ripple on the water . When they neared the ship they were hailed by the sentinel on its deck . Smith gave some explanation of their errand , and after some rough words was allowed to go on board . He found Captain Sutherland and Beverly Robinson in the cabin .