midnight
This being done , a rope ladder was lowered and Bittern mounted to the deck , being assisted in his passage over the side by a tremendous pull given by Blackbeard . The great pirate seemed to be in high good spirits , and very glad to see his visitor . Blackbeard was a large man , wide and heavy , and the first impression conveyed by his personality was that of hair and swarthiness . An untrimmed black beard lay upon his chest , and his long hair hung in masses from under his slouched hat ; his eyes were dark and sparkling , and gleamed like beacon lights from out a midnight sky ; the sleeves of his shirt were rolled up , and his arms seemed almost as hairy as his head ; two pairs of pistols were stuck into his belt , and a great cutlass was conveniently tucked up by his side . `` Ho , ho ! '' he cried , `` Black Paul ! And where do you come from , and what are you doing here ?