about midnight
`` Yes , I see that you are right , '' said Jack . `` I will do my best to catch one of his craft , at all events . '' Accordingly , on his arrival on board , he sent Needham in the dinghy , as before , to take a quiet pull among the ships . The gunner came back about midnight , and reported that the people were as busy as bees on board the schooner , that the sails were being bent , and , according to his opinion , she was getting ready for sea . `` Then she intends to sail tomorrow night , while I am on shore , '' observed Jack . `` I 'll go , however , and try if we can play as good a game as she can . '' `` That 's it , sir ; you will have plenty of time to get on board after she slips out , and we can soon be after her . ''