four in the morning
For a few moments father and children clung to each other . When at length they looked round to express their gratitude to the plucky rescuer , he was nowhere to be seen . Seeing a great crowd of the Blackett pitmen arrive with a run , George had felt that he could be of no more use , and slipping into the wood had made for home . He wanted no thanks , and moreover the brig was to sail at four in the morning , at which time the tide would serve . `` He 's gone -- George has gone ! '' cried Matthew . `` We can never repay him , '' murmured Mr. Blackett .