midnight
Dark forms were seen gliding out of the darkness . Suddenly the bright light of a torch burst forth on our deck . Mr Gale waved it above his head , and threw it towards the boats , its glare showing us swarthy features , and turbaned heads , and coloured vests , and jewelled arms . There could be no doubt as to the character of our midnight visitors . `` Fire ! '' shouted the captain ; `` fire ! and aim low . ''