nearly midnight
At last , however , he was satisfied that his plans were beyond Sam 's power to penetrate , and he was ready to put them into execution . On the night of Bob Sharp 's return , which was the night last described in previous chapters , Sam went to the town , as we know , accompanied by Tom , who sailed the boat . As soon as he was fairly out of sight Jake walked away toward Pensacola . The distance was considerable , and the way a very difficult one , as the tide was too high for walking on the beach , so that it was nearly midnight when Jake knocked at a house on a side street . `` Who is there ? '' asked a night-capped personage from an upper window . `` A friend , '' answered Jake .