midnight
Martin assured us that the mutineers had no suspicion that their designs were known . The weather had again become fine , and we ran through the Straits of Gibraltar . The moment the mutineers proposed to execute their plan was approaching . Martin brought us word that they intended to seize the ship at midnight , putting in irons all who refused to join them , and to kill us should any resistance be offered . As soon as it was dark , we ran two of the guns called `` murtherers '' through the ports of the after-castle opening on the main deck , which should an enemy when boarding gain a footing there , are intended to rake it . We also loaded and placed in readiness arms for about a score of men , who we hoped would side with us , while we also barricaded all the doors which led to the after part of the ship . When all was ready , Martin , going below , told the men he could trust to muster aft .