eight o’clock
Between the river 's mouth and the end of the cliff , eddies of wind whirled and gusts from this maelstrom lashed the water which ran through the narrow valley . The smoke from the fireplace was also driven back through the opening , filling the passages and rendering them uninhabitable . Therefore , as the grouse were cooked , Pencroft let the fire die away , and only preserved a few embers buried under the ashes . At eight o'clock Neb had not appeared , but there was no doubt that the frightful weather alone hindered his return , and that he must have taken refuge in some cave , to await the end of the storm or at least the return of day . As to going to meet him , or attempting to find him , it was impossible . The game constituted the only dish at supper ; the meat was excellent , and Pencroft and Herbert , whose long excursion had rendered them very hungry , devoured it with infinite satisfaction . Their meal concluded , each retired to the corner in which he had rested the preceding night , and Herbert was not long in going to sleep near the sailor , who had stretched himself beside the fireplace .