nearly nine o'clock
The moon had not yet risen , but for the time of the year the weather was very calm and pleasant . The waves leaped pleasantly on the great rock called the Armed Knight , and even the breakers on Whicksand Bay were not angry , as is usually the case on this wild coast . A few clouds swept along the sky , but mostly the heavens were clear . Presently I looked at my watch , and after some trouble discovered that it was nearly nine o'clock . As I was nearly a mile from the Irish Lady I determined to start , and was just going to the place where I had laid the pick and shovel when I heard the sound of voices in the near distance . I immediately fell flat on the ground , for I did not wish to be seen . A minute later I knew that two men were coming toward me , and I judged would pass close beside me .