nearly one o'clock
There was , however , no occasion for speed , for Gervaise did not wish to commence the attack until past midnight . The guns had all been loaded before starting , and a pile of ammunition was placed near each . Presently the wind nearly died out , and the galley and prizes then took the coasters and fishing craft in tow . It was nearly one o'clock when they got within half a mile of the inlet . The tow ropes were then thrown off , the fishermen got out sweeps , and the galley led the way , the fire ships followed in a body , and the three prizes brought up the rear . The oars had all been muffled , and slowly they made their way , until Fosco , who was standing next to Gervaise on board the galley , said that the point just ahead marked the entrance to the inlet . They then stopped rowing until the fire ships were all close up .