four in the
afternoon
`` Aye , that would we ; '' the others growled in a chorus . The next morning the work of unloading began . The sailors worked hard ; for , as one of them said , `` This place seems to smell of blood -- let 's be out of it , mates , as soon as we can . '' At four in the afternoon a lad of about Ned 's age came on board . He was the son of the merchant to whom the larger part of the cargo of the Good Venture was consigned . `` I have a letter that my father charged me to give into your hands , Captain Martin . He said that the matter was urgent , and begged me to give it you in your cabin .