midnight
Betts was sent towards the Reef , in a boat well armed and manned , in order to ascertain the state of things in that quarter . His instructions directed him to push forward as far as he could , and if possible to hold some sort of communication with Socrates , who might now be considered as commander at the point assailed . Fortunate was it that the governor bethought him of this measure . As Betts had the ship 's launch , which carried two lugg-sails , his progress was both easy and rapid , and he actually got in sight of the Reef before midnight . To his astonishment , all seemed to be tranquil , and Betts at first believed that the savages had completed their work and departed . Being a bold fellow , however , a distant reconnoitring did not satisfy him ; and on he went , until his boat fairly lay alongside of the natural quay of the Reef itself . Here he landed , and marched towards the entrance of the crater .