nine o'clock
so Paul has been home -- has he ? That accounts for it . Paul is asleep in the cabin now . '' `` Let him sleep -- he needs rest , '' replied Mrs. Duncan ; and it was after nine o'clock when the family breakfasted that morning . After breakfast the young fishermen cleaned their perch and cod , and before dinner had disposed of the lot . From the proceeds of the sale , Paul purchased a small lantern , which was suspended in the cabin of the Fawn , for the darkness of that gloomy night was not soon to be forgotten . The next day was clear and pleasant , and the boat went down as usual , and for more than a fortnight , no event worthy of a place in the history of Paul 's fortunes occurred .