five in the morning
He answered me sharply -- `` Never mind , never mind -- here , Potomac , lend us a hand to sling a cot for this gentleman ; there now , see the lanyard is sound , and the lacing all tight and snug -- now put that mattrass into it , and there is linen in the chest . '' In a trice my couch was rigged , all comfortable , snow-white linen , nice pillow , soft mattrass , & c. and Obed , filling me another tumbler , helped himself also ; he then drank to my health , wished me a sound sleep , promised to call me at daylight , and as he left the cabin he said , `` Mr Cringle , had it been my object to have injured you , I would not have waited until now . You are quite safe so far as depends on me , so take your rest -- good night , once more . '' I tumbled into bed , and never once opened my eyes until Obed called me at daylight , that is , at five in the morning , according to his promise . By this time we were well in with the Cuba shore ; the land might be two miles from us , as we could see the white surf . Out at sea , although all around was clear as crystal , there was nothing to be seen of the Gleam or Firebrand , but there were ten or twelve fishing canoes , each manned with from four to six hands , close aboard of us ; -- we seemed to have got becalmed in the middle of a small fleet of them . The nearest to us hailed in Spanish , in a very friendly way .