eight o'clock
The smack dropped down the river and stood , off and on , near its entrance . Will was delighted with the bright sea , dotted with ships and fishing craft . The sun was shining , and there was just enough wind to send the smack along briskly through the water , without raising any waves sufficiently high to give her a perceptible motion . At eight o'clock the captain went on shore in the boat , with a man , to look after the absent sailors ; leaving only one hand and the two boys on board . At ten the boat was again seen , coming out . `` One , two , three , four , '' the boy said , `` he has got them both . Now we shall be off . ''