eight o'clock
False alarms were given more than once . Sometimes Tom , sometimes Hercules , or one of the others would be sure that a distant speck they had descried was assuredly a mountain ridge ; but the vapours were continually gathering in such fantastic forms that their unexperienced eyes were soon deceived , and they seldom had to wait long before their fond delusion was all dispelled . At last , the expected longing was fulfilled . At eight o'clock one morning the mists seemed broken up with unusual rapidity , and the horizon was singularly clear . Dick had hardly gone aloft when his voice rung out , -- `` Land ! Land ahead ! '' As if summoned by a spell , every one was on deck in an instant : Mrs. Weldon , sanguine of a speedy end to the general anxiety ; little Jack , gratified at a new object of curiosity ; Cousin Benedict , already scenting a new field for entomological investigation ; old Nan ; and the negroes , eager to set foot upon American soil ; all , with the exception of Negoro , all were on deck ; but the cook did not stir from his solitude , or betray any sympathy with the general excitement .