nearly ten o'clock
This is a description of most slaving-vessels , though steamers have of late years been largely employed . Adair and Desmond paced the deck for an hour or more , stopping every now and then to listen . No sound could be heard coming from any direction , and the town was too far off for the hum of its human hive to reach them . It was now nearly ten o'clock . Adair had ordered Snatchblock not to strike the bell , as it might show the slavers , should any be meditating an attack , that those on board the prize were on the alert , and make them approach more cautiously than they might otherwise be inclined to do . Adair had brought a stool from the cabin , and sat down , leaning against the outside . `` Go in and get some sleep , '' he said to Desmond , `` I will call you if you are wanted . ''