about midnight
From this time forward the brig -- hove-to , and with her helm lashed -- was left to take care of herself , the greatly-improved condition of the weather permitting of this , while the men proceeded , in their own slow , deliberate fashion , with their preparations for abandoning her . As for us aft , our preparations were of the simplest possible kind , consisting merely of the stowing of our clothing in a bundle that could be flung into the boat at a moment 's notice -- and the very careful loading of the brace of duelling-pistols with which my unknown French friend had presented me . These little matters attended to , I urged Florence to lie down and endeavour to secure a few hours ' sleep , following the same good advice myself as soon as she had retired to her cabin . I was awakened about midnight by the man Harry , who had been anxiously awaiting the moment for the others to get to sleep , in order that he might slip aft , unnoticed , to inform me of the progress of his own particular share in our enterprise . `` Well , Harry , '' said I , `` how do matters stand ? Have you succeeded in accomplishing all that I directed you to do ? '' `` Yes , sir , '' said he .