midnight
He ran up the sail on the mizzen , and the grab was soon cutting her way through the water at a spanking rate . He had closely studied the chart on board the Good Intent when that vessel was approaching the Indian coast -- not with any fixed purpose , but in the curiosity which invested all things Indian with interest for him . From his recollection he believed that Gheria was somewhat more than a hundred miles from Bombay . If the grab continued to make such good sailing she might hope to cover this distance by midnight . But she could hardly run into harbor until the following day . There was , of course , no chart , not even a compass , on board ; the only apparatus he possessed was a water clock ; naturally he could not venture far out to sea , but neither dared he hug the shore too closely . He knew not what reefs there might be lying in wait for his untaught keel .