about ten o'clock
I must pause here ; for it requires all my fortitude to recall the memory of the frightful events which I am about to relate , in proper detail , to my recollection . I was soon introduced into the presence of the magistrate , an old benevolent man , with calm and mild manners . He looked upon me , however , with some degree of severity : and then , turning towards my conductors , he asked who appeared as witnesses on this occasion . About half a dozen men came forward ; and , one being selected by the magistrate , he deposed , that he had been out fishing the night before with his son and brother-in-law , Daniel Nugent , when , about ten o'clock , they observed a strong northerly blast rising , and they accordingly put in for port . It was a very dark night , as the moon had not yet risen ; they did not land at the harbour , but , as they had been accustomed , at a creek about two miles below . He walked on first , carrying a part of the fishing tackle , and his companions followed him at some distance . As he was proceeding along the sands , he struck his foot against something , and fell at his length on the ground .