about three o’clock
''' Pencroft 's apprehensions were not without foundation , and a visit to Port Balloon appeared to be very desirable . The sailor and his companions set off on the 10th of November , after dinner , well armed . Pencroft , ostentatiously slipping two bullets into each barrel of his rifle , shook his head in a way which betokened nothing good to any one who approached too near him , whether `` man or beast , '' as he said . Gideon Spilett and Herbert also took their guns , and about three o'clock all three left Granite House . Neb accompanied them to the turn of the Mercy , and after they had crossed , he raised the bridge . It was agreed that a gunshot should announce the colonists ' return , and that at the signal Neb should return and reestablish the communication between the two banks of the river . The little band advanced directly along the road which led to the southern coast of the island .