About four o’clock P.M.
It was , therefore , evident that if Victoria Island should come alongside of the continent , it would touch it with its southern side , -- the communication would , in a word , be re-established by means of the broken isthmus ; it was , therefore , imperative to ascertain what was going on in that direction . Hobson determined to go to Cape Michael , however terrible the storm might be , but he meant to keep the real motive of his reconnaissance a secret from his companions . Sergeant Long was to accompany him . About four o'clock P.M. , on the 31st August , Hobson sent for the Sergeant in his own room , that they might arrange together for all eventualities . `` Sergeant Long , '' he began , `` it is necessary that we should , without delay , ascertain the position of Victoria Island , and above all whether this wind has , as I hope , driven it near to the American continent . '' `` I quite agree with you , sir , '' replied Long , `` and the sooner we find out the better '' `` But it will necessitate our going down to the south of the island . '' `` I am ready , sir . ''