nine o'clock
He then told me , on my promising him his private venture , that we had not a moment to lose , for that a vessel , just visible on the horizon , was from Smyrna , richly laden ; she was commanded by a townsman of his , and bound to the same place . I turned from him with contempt , and at the same moment made the signal to speak the frigate . On going on board , I told the captain what I had heard from the master of the prize , and the promise I had given . He approved of it ; the proper number of men were instantly sent back to the brig , the prisoners taken out , and the frigate made sail in chase of the indicated vessel , which she captured that night at nine o'clock . I would not willingly believe that such perfidy is common among the Americans . On parting with the master of my brig , a sharp dialogue took place between us . `` I guess I 'll fit out a privateer , and take some o ' your merchanters . ''