ten o'clock at night
`` According to your ideas , Mr Easy , a man has no more right to his wife than anything else , and any other man may claim her . '' Jack thought of Agnes , and he made matrimony an exception , as he continued to argue the point ; but although he argued , still his philosophy was almost upset at the idea of any one disputing with him the rights of man , with respect to Agnes . The _ Harpy _ made the African coast , the wind continued contrary , and they were baffled for many days ; at last they espied a brig under the land , about sixteen miles off ; her rig and appearance made Captain Wilson suspect that she was a privateer of some description or another , but it was calm , and they could not approach her . Nevertheless , Captain Wilson thought it his duty to examine her ; so at ten o'clock at night the boats were hoisted out : as this was merely intended for a reconnoitre , for there was no saying what she might be , Mr Sawbridge did not go . Mr Asper was on the sick-list , so Mr Smallsole the master had the command of the expedition . Jack asked Mr Sawbridge to let him have charge of one of the boats . Mr Jolliffe and Mr Vigors went in the pinnace with the master .