the hour of eight
With a view to a proper regard to both delicacy and watchfulness , however , Winchester had directed that the angle of the canvas nearest the cabin-door lantern should be opened a few inches , and that the sentinel should look in every half-hour ; or as often as the ship 's bell told the progress of time . The object was simply to be certain that the prisoner was in his room , and that he was making no attempt on his own life ; a step that had been particularly apprehended previously to the respite . Now , the whole of the dispute between the two Italians , and that which had passed beneath the ship 's channels , did not occupy more than six or seven minutes ; and the little cluster of officers was still gaining recruits , when Raoul was fairly in the yawl of his own lugger . At this moment the ship 's bell struck the hour of eight . The marine advanced , with the respect of a subordinate , but with the steadiness of a man on post , to examine the state of the room . Although the gentlemen believed this caution unnecessary , the loud voices of Andrea and Vito Viti being of themselves a sort of guarantee that the prisoner was in his cage , they gave way to a man , fully understanding that a sentinel was never to be resisted . The canvas was opened a few inches , the light of the lantern at the cabin-door shot in , and there sat the vice-governatore and the podestà , gesticulating and staring into each other 's faces , still in hot dispute ; but the place of Raoul Yvard was empty !