six o'clock p.m.
Yet , despite all this , it was not difficult for me to perceive that the reflection that Morillo and his gang were still at large greatly nettled him , and that I could not find a surer way to his continued favour than by finding and capturing or destroying the audacious pirate . Accordingly I made what inquiries I could relating to the whereabouts of the fellow 's headquarters , and also instructed Black Peter to try his luck in the same direction ; but , up to within twenty-four hours of the time when the schooner would again be ready for sea , neither of us had met with the slightest success . When , however , the twenty-four hours had dwindled down to ten , I received the welcome intimation that Black Peter had at length contrived to get upon Morillo 's trail . The information was brought to me by Black Peter himself , who , having secured an afternoon 's liberty , which he broke by coming aboard about ten-thirty instead of at six o'clock p.m. , presented himself -- considerably the worse for liquor , I regret to say -- at my cabin door , beaming hilariously all over his sable countenance as he stuttered -- `` We-e-ll , M-mistah Cour ' - nay , I g-got him a ' las ' , sah ! '' `` Got who , you black rascal ? And what do you mean , sir , by breaking your leave , and then presenting yourself in this disgraceful condition ? You are drunk , sir ; too drunk to stand steadily , too drunk to speak plainly ; and I should only be giving you your deserts if I were to turn you over to the master-at-arms .