About ten o’clock
Pencroft was not wrong in his anticipations . Three hours later at low tide , the greater part of the sand forming the bed of the channel was uncovered . Between the islet and the coast there only remained a narrow channel which would no doubt be easy to cross . About ten o'clock , Gideon Spilett and his companions stripped themselves of their clothes , which they placed in bundles on their heads , and then ventured into the water , which was not more than five feet deep . Herbert , for whom it was too deep , swam like a fish , and got through capitally . All three arrived without difficulty on the opposite shore . Quickly drying themselves in the sun , they put on their clothes , which they had preserved from contact with the water , and sat down to take counsel together what to do next .