About midnight
`` If you do n't choose , I ca n't help it , '' said I ; `` but I do n't like remaining here without you ; I shall run away if I can , so I give you fair warning . '' `` You wo n't find that quite so easy , '' replied he , laughing ; `` and I recommend you not to attempt it . '' Here the conversation dropped . About midnight the captain commenced his ascent of the ravine , and I resolved that I would not lose the opportunity , if it offered , of following him . I watched him as long as I could see him , that I might know the direction of the secret path , and then I joined the crew , who were lying down by the tents which they had pitched on the shore . Shortly afterwards , the Spanish Indian , who had coloured me , passed by me , and , as I intended to make the attempt before it was quite dark , I thought that I would remove any suspicion , and I therefore requested him to stain me again . This he consented to do , and in half an hour I was again naked among the negroes and undergoing the operation .