six o’clock
It was the first time that he had ever seen birds taken with a line , but the sailor modestly confessed that it was not his first attempt , and that besides he could not claim the merit of invention . `` And at any rate , '' added he , `` situated as we are , we must hope to hit upon many other contrivances . '' The grouse were fastened by their claws , and Pencroft , delighted at not having to appear before their companions with empty hands , and observing that the day had begun to decline , judged it best to return to their dwelling . The direction was indicated by the river , whose course they had only to follow , and , towards six o'clock , tired enough with their excursion , Herbert and Pencroft arrived at the Chimneys . Gideon Spilett was standing motionless on the shore , his arms crossed , gazing over the sea , the horizon of which was lost towards the east in a thick black cloud which was spreading rapidly towards the zenith . The wind was already strong , and increased with the decline of day . The whole sky was of a threatening aspect , and the first symptoms of a violent storm were clearly visible .