about midnight
The last time we had seen her she must have been some miles farther to the northward than the Sylvania , and I was satisfied that Captain Blastblow had not gained anything by going inside of the reefs . As I made it out from the chart , he had twice been obliged to go to the eastward over two miles , in order to keep in the deepest water . I suspected that he had been aground , and had to wait for the tide ; for at dark , when we saw the steamer for the last time , we were at least five miles farther south . `` We will keep her going as briskly as the heavy sea will permit , until about midnight ; and then we will ease off till daylight . Then I think we shall get another sight of the Islander , '' I said to the mate , as he was about to turn in at eight . `` I do n't think there is any danger of her getting ahead faster than we do , '' replied the mate , with a yawn . `` I believe I shall sleep well , if I do n't get pitched out of my berth . ''