About midnight
There were still , we remarked , a good number of people left on the island . We saw them moving about in all directions for some hours after the fleet had sailed , and then they retired into the huts and sheds which served as their homes . Such was the state of things when we lay down to rest that night . About midnight , we were startled by hearing the trap-door lifted . At the same time a man appeared with a lantern in his hand . I recognised him as the person who had conducted me to the presence of Captain Ralph . `` I have come here as a friend , my men , '' he said in a low voice , putting down the lantern .