nearly midnight
`` If the captain of this steamer manages his affair well with the Ionian , I expect to find letters on board of her signed by Davis , '' continued Mr. Gilfleur . `` From the information I obtained , your father put American detectives on the scent of Davis , who dogged him day and night till they found the Ionian , and ascertained in what manner she obtained her cargo ; but she had been partly loaded before they reached a conclusion , and it is suspected that she has arms under the pieces of machinery , perhaps cannon and ammunition . '' The detective continued to explain his operations at greater length than it is necessary to report them . Christy listened till nearly midnight , and then he went on deck to ascertain the position of the chase before he turned in . He found the captain on the quarter-deck , vigilant and faithful to his duty , and evidently determined that the Ionian should not elude him . `` You are up late , Mr. Passford , '' said the captain , when he recognized his passenger in the gloom of the night . `` I have been busy , and I came on deck to see where the Ionian was before I turned in , '' replied Christy .