nearly eight o'clock
before
It was cool in the early morning , although the hot season was approaching ; but Desmond did not envy the men their close quarters . They were so much excited , however , at the adventure before them , and so eager to earn the liberal reward promised them if it succeeded , that not a man murmured . The Europeans had cooler quarters in the rude cabins , where they were hidden from prying eyes under miscellaneous native wraps . Desmond had learned from the pilot that it would be nearly eight o'clock before the depth of water over the bar was sufficient to allow a ship like the Good Intent to proceed with safety . A little before daybreak the two boats crept out from the ghat . It was well to avoid curiosity before Mayapur woke up . Desmond steered the first , Hossain the second ; and besides the steersmen there were two men visible on the deck of each .