about four o’clock in the afternoon
They could now quit the American Continent without the least hesitation , and already their thoughts had flown to the Australias . In going on board the DUNCAN again they would not bring despair with them , and Lady Helena and Mary Grant would not have to mourn the irrevocable loss of Captain Grant . This thought so filled them with joy that they forgot all the dangers of their actual situation , and only regretted that they could not start immediately . It was about four o'clock in the afternoon , and they determined to have supper at six . Paganel wished to get up a splendid spread in honor of the occasion , but as the materials were very scanty , he proposed to Robert to go and hunt in the neighboring forest . Robert clapped his hands at the idea , so they took Thalcave 's powder flask , cleaned the revolvers and loaded them with small shot , and set off . `` Do n't go too far , '' said the Major , gravely , to the two hunters .