midnight
`` The strange dispensation of Providence that brought us into this unknown port gave me another hope of escape and oblivion . While you and the Commander were boarding the Excelsior , I slipped from the cabin-window into the water ; I was a good swimmer , and reached the shore in safety . I concealed myself in the ditch of the Presidio until I saw the passengers ' boats returning with them , when I sought the safer shelter of this Mission . I made my way through a gap in the hedge and lay under your olive-trees , hearing the voices of my companions , beyond the walls , till past midnight . I then groped my way along the avenue of pear-trees till I came to another wall , and a door that opened to my accidental touch . I entered , and found myself here . You know the rest . ''