midnight
The sailors , with aching heads and parched mouths , were swinging in their grass hammocks beneath the sheds ; and , save the watchful vigilance of the men at the look-outs and battery , the little island was wrapped in repose . Captain Brand , however , was as cool as a cucumber ; and regardless of the heat , and indifferent about _ siesta _ , he drew the curtains of the saloon , and took some active exercise . First , however , he desired his faithful Babette to get out some camphor trunks and pack the contents of his splendid wardrobe . This operation was performed under the critical eye of Captain Brand himself , to which he personally lent his aid by stowing away , here and there , his caskets , trinkets , and treasures -- those which had been presented to him by the unfortunate people who had the ill luck to make his acquaintance on the high seas , or in midnight forays on shore . Then the captain opened and rummaged cabinets , bureaus , and bookcases , making liberal presents to his trusty housekeeper ; and , turning from that occupation , he had all his table furniture spread before him , when he made careful estimates of the value of the silver , china , and glass . This concluded , Captain Brand ordered Babette to furnish him a slight repast ; and while it was preparing -- the captain taking the precaution to bolt his handmaiden in her kitchen -- he went quietly into his bedroom , and when he came out he bore heavy burdens in his muscular arms , all of which he laid conveniently near the trap in the floor . Then letting the hatch swing softly down , he lowered the heavy articles by the silk rope , as he had Master Gibbs , though not so suddenly , going down himself as nimbly as a rat after them .