noon
In the early morning the clouds and the fog were swept away , and the sun came out . Christy found a hiding-place on the other side of the creek , in a dense mass of bushes , where the boat was drawn out of the water . A spot which commanded a full view of the schooner had been selected , the boat was turned upside down so as to afford a shelter , and the weary Unionists went to sleep , for they were not likely to be disturbed on this side of the creek . It was noon when they woke , and it looked as though something was going on at the vessel . About half a dozen negroes were to be seen on the deck-load of cotton ; and a little later in the day , Colonel Passford and Lonley were observed talking together . But nothing was done that day , and the night came on . Christy was not satisfied with his information , and as soon as it was dark , the boat was launched , and the fugitives pulled over to the schooner .