about a quarter to
nine
There is one danger , however , and that is , that it may be swept back by the returning tide , cast up on the island , and fall into the hands of the crew of the _ Ebba _ when the schooner is hauled into her creek . If Ker Karraje ever gets hold of it , it will be all up with me . It will be readily conceived with what anxiety I have awaited the moment to make the attempt : I am in a perfect fever of excitement , for it is a matter of life or death to me . I calculate from previous observations that the tide will be very low at about a quarter to nine . The top of the tunnel ought then to be a foot and a half above water , which is more than enough to permit of the keg passing through it . It will be another half hour at least before the flow sets in again , and by that time the keg may be far enough away to escape being thrown back on the coast . I peer out of my cell .