nearly
five o’clock
Some small splinters that he had got ready were placed on it , and in a very short time a fire was blazing . As soon as the wood was well alight he had poured off the water and very carefully wiped the glass and the rim that held it . He went a short distance away as soon as the fire was burning well , and was pleased to find that no smoke was given off , the sun having dried the wreckage until not the slightest particle of moisture remained in it . He now kept a sharp look-out along the shore , but it was not until nearly five o'clock that he saw his companions issue from the trees a mile and a half away and move along the sand . He went down to the well , took out the meat , and brought it up and laid it on the rock to dry . He felt sure that by this time the water would have removed the greater portion of the salt , and that he would now be able to roast it satisfactorily . He had already got two forked twigs as a support for his spit , and , taking the ramrod from the gun , thrust it through the meat .