eight o'clock
Aft , preparations were making of a more permanent nature , it is true . The upper part of the mainmast had been cut away , as low as the steerage-deck where an arrangement had been made to step a spare topmast . The spar itself was lying on the deck rigged , and a pair of sheers were in readiness to be hoisted , in order to sway it up ; but night approaching , the men had been broken off , to rig the yards , bend the sails , and to fit the other spars it was intended to use , postponing the last act , that of sending all up , until morning . `` We are likely to have a quiet night of it , '' said the captain , glancing his eyes round at the heavens ; `` and at eight o'clock to-morrow let all hands be called , when we will turn-to with a will , and make a brig of the old hussey . This topmast will do to bear the strain of the spare main-yard , unless there come another gale , and by reefing the new mainsail we shall be able to make something out of it . The topgallant-mast will fit of course above , and we may make out , by keeping a little free , to carry the sail : at need , we may possibly coax the contrivance into carrying a studding-sail also . We have sticks for no more , though we 'll endeavour to get up something aft , out of the spare spars obtained from the store-ship .