nearly
eight o'clock
About an hour before sunset , I complained of headache and sickness , and sat down under the awning over the after part of the quarter-deck . When the captain came up to go on shore , he asked me if I was ready , but I made no answer , only put my hand to my head . The captain , supposing that I was about to be attacked by the fever of the country , was much concerned , and desired the second mate to help him to take me down to the state-room , and then went on shore ; the boat was , as usual , pulled by the four men who were prisoners with me , and whom the captain found he could trust on shore better than the others belonging to the crew , who would indulge in liquor whenever they had an opportunity . I remained in my bed-place till it was nearly eight o'clock , and then crept softly up the companion-hatch to ascertain who was on deck . The men were all below in the fore-peak at their suppers , and as I had before observed that their conferences were held on the forecastle , I went forward , and covered myself up with a part of the main-topsail , which the men had been repairing during the day . From this position I could hear all that passed , whether they went down into the fore-peak , or remained to converse on the forecastle . About ten minutes afterwards I heard the boat grate against the ship 's side , and the men of the slaver mount on the deck .