half past twelve
My device is ` _ Spiro spero _ , ' and it is the best motto in the world ! '' NEXT day , the 27th of January , the passengers of the MACQUARIE were installed on board the brig. Will Halley had not offered his cabin to his lady passengers . This omission was the less to be deplored , for the den was worthy of the bear . At half past twelve the anchor was weighed , having been loosed from its holding-ground with some difficulty . A moderate breeze was blowing from the southwest . The sails were gradually unfurled ; the five hands made slow work . Wilson offered to assist the crew ; but Halley begged him to be quiet and not to interfere with what did not concern him .