four in the morning
`` Unfasten the sheet there , '' she commanded , `` and duck your head clear . '' As soon as their faces were set for home , the minister walked back to the cuddy roof and sat down to reflect . Not a word was spoken till they reached the harbour 's mouth again , and then he pulled out his watch . It was half-past four in the morning . Outside the Battery Point the girl hauled down the sails and got out the sweeps ; and together they pulled up under the still sleeping town to the minister 's quay-door . He was clumsy at this work , but she instructed him in whispers , and they managed to reach the ladder as the clocks were striking five . The tide was far down by this time , and she held the boat close to the ladder while he prepared to climb .