midnight
This was twenty-four hours ago , and they have not appeared . '' `` Extraordinary ! '' `` I have to report also , '' said the first lieutenant , `` that at seven o'clock , in accordance with orders , Mr. Fraser took a party ashore . The press has been active of late , and at first they found the whole town shy : in fact , sir , they met with no success at all until midnight , when , just as they were on the point of returning , they raided a house and brought off eight able-bodied fellows -- as fine a lot , sir , physically , as you could wish to see . For their seamanship I am unable to answer , having had no opportunity to question them . To judge from his report Mr. Fraser handled the affair well , and brought them off expeditiously ; and I am relieved to tell you that , so far , we have had no trouble from shore -- not so much as an inquiry sent . '' `` That is luck , indeed , '' said Captain Suckling approvingly ; `` and a comfort to hear at the end of a day when everything has gone wrong .