twelve o'clock
`` Aye , aye , sir , '' replied I , leaving the cabin . This order satisfied me that the captain perceived what I would suggest , which was , that if we once got in shore and in shallow water we might laugh at the line-of-battle ship , which , in all probability would not be able to get near enough to reach us with her guns ; or , if she attempted it , she would run on shore , and then we should have the best of it . As soon as I had given the orders to the prize-masters and returned on board , the boat was hoisted up , and all sail made for the land . At twelve o'clock we sounded , and found ourselves in nine-fathom water , by which we calculated we were about thirty miles from the land . I hardly need say that a most careful lookout was kept up , that we might not fall in with our formidable adversary . At one o'clock the moon rose , and I , having the middle watch , surveyed the horizon on every side , but without discovering the enemy ; but at half-past three the day dawned , and before my watch was over it was broad daylight ; and then , just as I was going down , having been relieved by the second lieutenant , a strange sail was reported about eight miles to leeward , two points before the beam . The second lieutenant hastened down to the cabin , to report to the captain , and I went up to the mast-head to make her out , and I soon discovered that she was a line-of-battle ship : I immediately descended , and reported to the captain , who had come on deck .