eight o'clock
It was not in the power of the seamen to carry their raft into any haven , for to the northward of the headland , or on the side on which they were , there was no reef , nor any bay to afford them shelter . The coast was one continued waving line of sand-banks , and in most places , when there was a wind , the water broke at the distance of a mile from the beach ; the precise spot where the Dane had stranded his vessel , having most probably been chosen for that purpose , with a view to save the lives of the people . Under these circumstances nothing remained but to warp off again to a safe distance , and to secure the boats as well as they could for the night . This was effected by eight o'clock , and Captain Truck gave the order to let go two additional kedges , being determined not to strike adrift in the darkness , if it was in his power to prevent it . When this was done , the people had their suppers , a watch was set , and the remainder went to sleep . As the three passengers had been exempted from the toil , they volunteered to look out for the safety of the boats until midnight , in order that the men might obtain as much rest as possible ; and half an hour after the crew were lost in the deep slumber of seamen , Captain Truck and these gentlemen were seated in the launch , holding a dialogue on the events of the day . `` You found the Arabs conversable and ready at the cup , Mr. Monday ? ''