ten o'clock
A parting scene between two lovers had always better be left to the imagination of the readers ; because the author , unless he is gifted with the power of a Scott , a James , an Edgeworth , or a Sedgwick , is sure to disappoint the reader , and himself besides . My reader must therefore draw the picture , and color it , to his or her own peculiar taste , and fancy an interchange of kisses , locks of hair , rings , crooked sixpences , garters , or any thing else that constitutes circulating medium or _ stock _ in Love 's exchange market . The Orion had dropped out to the roads , and , with her anchor a short stay-peak , her topsails sheeted home but not hoisted , and her whole crew on deck , waited only for her first officer . Between nine and ten o'clock the sound of approaching oars was heard , but in a moment the practised ears of Captain Hazard and his second officer perceived that the advancing boat pulled very leisurely . `` Poor Charlie is coming off empty-handed , '' said Coffin . `` Yes , I was afraid the bird had flown , or the enemy was alarmed . I am sorry for it from my very heart , for he will be low spirited all the passage home . ''