about six in the evening
After following her for an hour or more , Mr Schank perceived that they gained nothing on the brig. He therefore ordered the boats to cast off from each other , and to make the best of their way , provided no boat rowed ahead of the barge under his command . It was just two o'clock when the expedition left the frigate . My father was in the launch commanded by a master 's mate , Mr Harry Oliver , a slight delicate youth who appeared utterly unfit for such work , but he had the heart of a lion , and daring unsurpassed by any officer in the service . For four long hours the chase continued , when , at about six in the evening , she was still four leagues ahead . Mr Schank now ordered the master to proceed in the gig as fast as he could pull , and by all means to keep sight of the brig , while in the event of darkness coming on he was to hoist a light to show her position . It had been arranged that the attack was to be made in two lines . The barge , pinnace , and gig were to board on the starboard quarter ; and the other line , consisting of the three other boats , on the larboard quarter .