four in the morning
He would float the boat at high tide , and then push off , keeping her near the shore , yet afloat until ebb tide . Then , when the tide should turn , and the current run up the bay , he would put off , and float along with the stream until he reached land . According to his calculations it would be high tide about two hours after dark , which would be some time after ten . He would have to be up all night ; for the tide would not turn until after four in the morning . But that did not trouble him . He would have too much on his mind to allow him to feel sleepy , and , besides , the hope which lay before him would prevent him from feeling fatigue . One thing more remained , and that was , to bring up a fresh supply of fuel .