eight o'clock
The crew of the slaver were numerous , and as bloodthirsty a set of looking fellows as ever I fell in with . Their boat was continually alongside of our vessel , and I perceived that their visits were made to the eight men whom we had shipped at Liverpool , and that they did not appear inclined to be at all intimate with the rest of the crew . This roused my suspicions , although I said nothing ; but I watched them very closely . One forenoon , as I was standing at the foot of the companion-ladder , concealed by the booby-hatch from the sight of those on deck , I heard our men talking over the side , and at last , as I remained concealed , that I might overhear the conversation , one of the slaver 's men from the boat said , `` To-night , at eight o'clock , we will come to arrange the whole business . '' The boat then shoved off , and pulled for the brig. Now , it was the custom of the captain to go onshore every evening to drink sangaree and smoke with the governor , and very often I went with him , leaving the ship in charge of the second mate . It had been my intention , and I had stated as much to the second mate , to go this evening , as it was the last but one that we should remain at Senegal ; but from what I overheard I made up my mind that I would not go . About an hour before sunset , I complained of headache and sickness , and sat down under the awning over the after part of the quarter-deck .