midnight
If we 're overheard we shall both be flogged for this . '' Among the privileges enjoyed by Blood was that of a hut to himself , and they were alone in this . But , after all , it was built of wattles thinly plastered with mud , and its door was composed of bamboos , through which sound passed very easily . Though the stockade was locked for the night , and all within it asleep by now -- it was after midnight -- yet a prowling overseer was not impossible , and a sound of voices must lead to discovery . Pitt realized this , and controlled his outburst of emotion . Sitting close thereafter they talked in whispers for an hour or more , and all the while those dulled wits of Pitt 's were sharpening themselves anew upon this precious whetstone of hope . They would need to recruit others into their enterprise , a half-dozen at least , a half-score if possible , but no more than that .