ten o'clock
After a bounteous supper the two old men talked over the situation until bedtime . They told many stories about drifting boats and rafts , compared notes about the direction of certain currents , and argued about the best course to pursue under certain very difficult circumstances , such , for example , as a thick snow-storm , midnight , a heavy sea , and a strong current setting upon a lee shore , the ship 's anchor being broken also . It was generally considered that the situation was likely to be unpleasant . At ten o'clock Bennie hurried his guests to their beds , where they slept soundly in spite of their anxiety . Before three in the morning he awaked them , and they were soon ready to reembark . It was dim morning twilight as they bade adieu to their hospitable entertainers , and but little could be seen . Captain Corbet raised his head , and peered into the sky above , and sniffed the sea air .