eight o’clock
The next day , January 5 , after its deck paneling was opened , the skiff was wrenched from its socket and launched to sea from the top of the platform . Two men were sufficient for this operation . The oars were inside the longboat and we had only to take our seats . At eight o'clock , armed with rifles and axes , we pulled clear of the Nautilus . The sea was fairly calm . A mild breeze blew from shore . In place by the oars , Conseil and I rowed vigorously , and Ned steered us into the narrow lanes between the breakers .