About six o'clock
`` But suppose the villain comes between spells ? '' `` We 'll have to take our chances on that , '' said John . The proposed scheme was finally accepted . About six o'clock Sam returned with the Black Growler and when the plan was explained to him he readily consented to accept the part which had been assigned to him . That night at eleven o ` clock he called Fred who was to have the first watch . After the first half-hour the young guard in the silence that rested over the great river found the time dragging heavily . In order to keep awake he walked about the dock , peering intently in every direction .