midnight
These were the wondering questions which occurred to him without his being able to give any answer . One thing he saw plainly , and that was , that he had lost this tide . The next high tide would be after midnight , and the next would be between one and two on the following day . If he could find out what was the matter with the boat , and fix it , he would have to wait till the next day , unless he chose to watch for his chance after midnight , and make the journey then . He was not a boy who could be long inactive ; so now , after a brief period , in which he gave up to the natural despondency of his soul , he stirred himself up once more , and sought comfort in occupation . The box of biscuit did not seem much injured , it had not floated long enough for the sea-water to penetrate it . Assuring himself of this , he next turned to the boat and took out its contents .