five o'clock in the afternoon
Before leaving the deck Paul advised Margaret to get the vessel under way at daylight next morning , in order that the journey might be completed before the next setting of the sun . He then took Mrs. Godfrey by the hand and raising it to his broad breast passed it firmly over his quickly throbbing heart , and almost instantly turned and shot from her presence like an arrow in the darkness . Very early in the morning the sloop was made ready to proceed on her voyage . The wind was blowing stiffly and fair , the little vessel reached along and arrived at her destination at five o'clock in the afternoon . The anchor was let go between an island and the river 's bank . Thanksgiving and praise were offered on board for past mercies and supplication for continued guidance . Neither was Paul Guidon forgotten , for Margaret breathed a silent supplication to Him who can soften and subdue the savage breast , to guide , control and direct the life and steps of her benefactor .