nine o'clock
Having communicated this important fact , he ventured some suggestions as to the probable vicinity of the lugger , and the hopes he entertained of being able to find out her precise situation , through the agency of Bolt , whose condition he also explained , hinting at the same time the expediency of bringing both delinquents to as speedy trials as possible , as the most certain manner of using their apprehensions in seizing le Feu-Follet . The letter concluded with an earnest request that another frigate , which was mentioned , her captain being junior to Cuffe , and a fast-sailing sloop that was lying off Naples might be sent down to assist him in `` heading off '' the lugger , as he feared the latter was too swift to be overtaken by the Proserpine alone , more especially in the light winds which prevailed . When this letter was written , addressed , and sealed , Cuffe went on deck again . It was now nine o'clock , or two bells , and Winchester had the quarter-deck nearly to himself . All was as tranquil and calm on the deck of that fine frigate as a moonlight night , a drowsy watch , a light wind , and smooth water could render things in a bay like that of Naples . Gleamings of fire were occasionally seen over Vesuvius , but things in that direction looked misty and mysterious , though Capri loomed up , dark and grand , a few miles to leeward , and Ischia was visible , a confused but distant pile on the lee-bow . An order from Cuffe , however , set everybody in motion .