midnight
We shall pull together , if we do n't pull so very strong . Now , hearken to me , Miss Rose , and I will let you into the secret of my plan to help Mr. Mulford make a launch . '' Jack then communicated to his companion his whole project for the night . Spike had , of his own accord , given to him and his two associates , Simon and Josh , the care of the brig between midnight and morning . If he could prevail on either of these men to accompany him , it was his intention to take the light-house boat , which was riding by its painter astern of the brig , and proceed as fast as they could to the spot whither Mulford had found his way . By his calculations , if the wind stood as it then was , little more than an hour would be necessary to reach the rock , and about as much more to return . Should the breeze lull , of which there was no great danger , since the easterly trades were again blowing , Jack thought he and Josh might go over the distance with the oars in about double the time .