about midnight
That night he revealed it to those of his friends whom he could trust , and who were necessary to his purpose . The night following -- while the men around them should be sleeping at the other side of the island , and their enemies were alone in the camp -- was fixed on for the execution of their purpose . It was a calm but very dark night when Swinton , Blazer , Garnet , Heron , Taylor , and several other men of kindred spirit , rose from their couches at the further end of the island , and , stealthily quitting the place , hastened back to their original camp . They reached it about midnight , and , as they had expected , found all quiet , for the so-called `` guard '' of the camp had been hard at work all day and were at that moment fast asleep . Paul and the captain , with Oliver , lay side by side under a tent which they had constructed out of broken spars and a piece of sailcloth . Their foes drew together not far from the spot . `` Now , men , '' said Swinton , `` this is a tough job we have in hand , for they are strong men , and the boy , albeit not big , is a very tiger-cat to fight .