midnight
The conversation of the slaves was here interrupted by the Moors , who kept constantly urging them to greater speed . The night came on very dark , but Rais Mourad would not allow them to move at a slower pace . Sailor Bill , being as he declared unused to `` navigate any sort o ' land craft '' , could only keep his seat on the animal he bestrode , by allowing it to follow the others , while he clutched its mane with a firm grasp of both hands . The journey was continued until near midnight ; when the old sailor , unable any longer to endure the fatigue , managed to check the pace of his animal and dismount . The Moors endeavoured to make him proceed , but were unsuccessful . Bill declared that should he again be placed on the horse , he should probably fall off and break his neck . This was communicated to Rais Mourad , who had turned back in a rage to inquire the cause of the delay .