five in the afternoon
In consequence of the brig 's having been thus moored , the strain , which necessarily led forward , came nearly in a line with the masts , and the latter were much better able to support it . Notwithstanding this advantage , however , it was found expedient to get up preventer-stays , and to give the spars all the additional support could be conveniently bestowed . Hours were passed in making these preliminary , or it might be better to say , secondary arrangements . It was past five in the afternoon when the people of the Swash began to heave on their purchases as finally disposed . After much creaking , and the settling of straps and lashings into their places , it was found that everything stood , and the work went on . In ten minutes Spike found he had the weight of the schooner , so far as he should be obliged to sustain it at all , until the stern rose above the surface ; and he felt reasonably secure of the doubloons . Further than this he did not intend to make any experiment on her , the Señor Montefalderon having abandoned all idea of recovering the vessel itself , now so much of the cargo was lost .