midnight
`` We are stranded for sure , and Blackbeard will kill us . '' Baffled , they strained their eyes until the shore stood black in the starlight , but as long as the dusk lingered they fancied they could descry the empty pirogue . The ship 's boat which presently drew alongside contained Blackbeard himself and Captain Dick Spender of the _ Triumph _ sloop , besides several officers of the two vessels . They withdrew into the cabin and there was prolonged discussion , lasting well toward midnight . It was a secretive session , with trusted men of the boat 's crew posted to keep eavesdroppers away from the hatches and windows , nor was there any loud carousing . Some business was afoot and Jack wondered whether it might concern the trouble which Joe had sworn was brewing under the surface . A circumstance even more suspicious was that three of the sailors from the boat were called into the cabin .