About noon
In such a case , indeed , the Spanish government would be very apt to consider the question one that touched the interests of smugglers alike , and to feel great indifference between the parties . At all events , no complaints were ever made to the American government ; or , if made , they never reached my ears , or those of my owners . It is most probable nothing was ever said on the subject . About noon we had got rid of our prisoners . They were allowed to take away with them all their own effects , and , as usually happens in such cases , I make little doubt some that belonged to other persons . The ships then made sail , each on her own course ; the Spaniard running down the coast , while we spread our studding-sails for the island . As soon as this was done , I felt relieved from a great burthen , and had leisure to think of other matters .