midnight
`` You may depend upon me for doing my part , '' answered the lieutenant , drawing himself up . We made the land early in the day , but hove-to till night , when it was hoped the inhabitants might be taken by surprise . The weather was fine , and the entrance to the harbour broad and safe . We waited till past midnight , and then stood in and came to an anchor . Four boats were ordered to be got ready ; Lieutenant Pyke and his marines went in one of them , the others were commanded by the sea officers , with a party of blue-jackets . I had heard the men talking of what they were going to do , and I thought that I should very much like to see the fun . I knew , however , that neither Dick nor Miss Kitty would approve of my going , and that Mr Falconer was also unlikely to take me , should I ask him to do so .