about ten o’clock in the morning
`` Captain , '' said the sailor , `` since you are speaking of game , if on my return , I was as certain of roasting it as I am of bringing it back -- '' `` Bring it back all the same , Pencroft , '' replied Harding . It was then agreed that the engineer and the reporter were to pass the day at the Chimneys , so as to examine the shore and the upper plateau . Neb , Herbert , and the sailor were to return to the forest , renew their store of wood , and lay violent hands on every creature , feathered or hairy , which might come within their reach . They set out accordingly about ten o'clock in the morning , Herbert confident , Neb joyous , Pencroft murmuring aside , -- `` If , on my return , I find a fire at the house , I shall believe that the thunder itself came to light it . '' All three climbed the bank ; and arrived at the angle made by the river , the sailor , stopping , said to his two companions , -- `` Shall we begin by being hunters or wood-men ? '' `` Hunters , '' replied Herbert . `` There is Top already in quest . ''