midnight
`` Now put it from you , '' he sang out , `` as far as you can . '' Then there came a splash , and the cable ran out , and the sober sailor requested the Count and the Baron to help him lower the mainsail . `` Now I have you all snug , '' he said , `` I can put you on shore , or you can remain on board till morning if you wish it . '' `` I think we had better remain on board , '' said the Baron ; `` I do not fancy going into a strange town at midnight without knowing an inch of my way , or what hotel to go to . '' `` I agree with you , '' observed the Count , `` though I can not say that I anticipate much pleasure in passing the night in a close cabin with a tipsy skipper snoring as loud as a grampus . '' `` Not pleasant , certainly , '' remarked the Baron ; `` and I am ready to sacrifice myself for your benefit , if our friend here will take me on shore and wait for me while I search for an hotel ; whether I find one or not , I will come back to you . '' The Count gladly agreed to this proposal ; and the sober sailor , launching the boat , at once put off with the Baron , intending , as he said , to land him at a quay at no great distance .