eight o’clock
The arsenal was composed of seven carbines and seven revolvers , and could stand a pretty long siege , for they had plenty of ammunition and provisions . But before six days were over , the DUNCAN would anchor in Twofold Bay , and twenty-four hours after her crew would reach the other shore of the Snowy River ; and should the passage still remain impracticable , the convicts at any rate would be forced to retire before the increased strength . But all depended on Mulrady 's success in his perilous enterprise . At eight o'clock it got very dark ; now was the time to start . The horse prepared for Mulrady was brought out . His feet , by way of extra precaution , were wrapped round with cloths , so that they could not make the least noise on the ground . The animal seemed tired , and yet the safety of all depended on his strength and surefootedness .