midnight
One of the men was mate of a vessel lying in the Pool , having only cast anchor that evening ; the girl was his sweetheart ; the other man had once been a fine young University gentleman , and had become an outfitter 's drunken agent . The brave sailor had nourished him often when on shore , and he , with the fluent tongue which his college had trimmed for him , had led the girl to sin during her lover 's absence . Howsoever , they put off together to welcome him on his arrival , never suspecting that their secret had been whispered to Robert Welsh beforehand . Howsoever , Robert gave them hearty greeting , and down to the cabin they went , and there sat drinking up to midnight . ` Three lost souls ! ' said the captain . ` See how they run , ' Temple sang , half audibly , and flushed hot , ashamed of himself .