the 29th of November, seven o'clock in the evening
He was sure his strength would return more quickly in his room , with the air and sight of the sea ! Several times he pressed Gideon Spilett , but the latter , fearing , with good reason , that Herbert 's wounds , half healed , might reopen on the way , did not give the order to start . However , something occurred which compelled Cyrus Harding and his two friends to yield to the lad 's wish , and God alone knew that this determination might cause them grief and remorse . It was the 29th of November , seven o'clock in the evening . The three settlers were talking in Herbert 's room , when they heard Top utter quick barks . Harding , Pencroft , and Spilett seized their guns and ran out of the house . Top , at the foot of the palisade , was jumping , barking , but it was with pleasure , not anger .