midnight
`` You have been on deck , Master Salkeld , '' said he , `` and have doubtless perceived that we are in sight of land . '' `` I have seen the great mountain , Senor , '' I answered . `` True , the land is yet little more than a line . If the wind had been fair we should have dropped anchor ere midnight . Your voyage has been a long one , but I trust you have not been inconvenienced . '' `` Only as a man may be by the loss of his liberty , Senor . '' `` You will soon be free , '' he answered , giving me one of his strange , mocking smiles .