eight o’clock in the evening
`` Do you think , John , we can get there to-night ? '' `` No , your honor , I must not risk the DUNCAN in the dark , for I am unacquainted with the coast . I will keep under steam , but go very slowly , and to-morrow , at daybreak , we can send off a boat . '' At eight o'clock in the evening , Maria Theresa , though five miles to leeward , appeared only an elongated shadow , scarcely visible . The DUNCAN was always getting nearer . At nine o'clock , a bright glare became visible , and flames shot up through the darkness . The light was steady and continued .