twelve o'clock
At all events , it was a mystery which Mr Vanslyperken could not solve ; at first , he thought that he would allow Smallbones to come into the cabin and get a loaded pistol ready for him . The words , `` But the corporal , '' which were cut short , proved to him that the corporal was no party to the affair ; yet it was strange that the ship 's company could have concealed the lad without the corporal 's knowledge . Vanslyperken walked and walked , and thought and thought ; at last he resolved to go down into his cabin , pretend to go to bed , lock his door , which was not his custom , and see if they would attempt to come in . He did so , the corporal was dismissed , and at twelve o'clock his door was tried and tried again ; but being fast , the party retreated . Vanslyperken waited till two bells to ascertain if any more attempts would be made ; but none were , so he rose from his bed , where he had thrown himself with his clothes on , and , opening the door softly , crept upon deck . The night was very warm , but there was a light and increasing breeze and the cutter was standing in and close to the shore to make a long board upon next tack . Vanslyperken passed the man at the helm , and walked aft to the taffrail ; he stood up on the choak to ascertain what way she was making through the water , and he was meditating upon the best method of proceeding .