midnight
So mixed a company , in a time of war , could be brought together only for evil purposes . It was hard for him to tell who was the captain , but the leader who had first come ashore seemed to have the most authority , although nearly all did about as they pleased to the accompaniment of much talk and many oaths . Still they worked well at filling the water casks , and Robert hoped they would soon be gone . Near midnight , however , one of the boats came back , loaded with food , and kegs and bottles of spirits . His heart sank . They were going to have a feast or an orgie on the beach and the day would be sure to find them there . Then they might conclude to explore the island , or at least far enough to find his house .