midnight
Quitting the night-cellar , the trio soon arrived at the riverside . Quilt Arnold was stationed at the stair-head , near which the boat containing the captive boy was moored . A few words passed between him and the thief-taker as the latter came up ; after which , all the party -- with the exception of Quilt , who was left on shore -- embarked within the wherry , which was pushed from the strand and rowed swiftly along the stream -- for the tide was in its favour -- by a couple of watermen . Though scarcely two hours past midnight , it was perfectly light . The moon had arisen , and everything could be as plainly distinguished as during the day . A thin mist lay on the river , giving the few craft moving about in it a ghostly look . As they approached London Bridge , the thief-taker whispered Van Galgebrok , who acted as steersman , to make for a particular arch -- near the Surrey shore .