eleven o'clock
The light quickly faded , night cast her veil of darkness over the sea , but we still stood in for the coast . Again , about half-past nine , the gun belched forth a tongue of flame , and the report sounded far over the silent waters . All was excitement on deck , for it was a matter of speculation whether an answering shout or gunshot could be heard above the roar and throbbing of the engines . Ten , eleven o'clock passed , and presently the third gun was exploded so suddenly that the ladies were startled . Again we listened , but could hear nothing . Kouaga fumed and cursed the evil-spirit for our misfortune , while Omar , finding that we were to be taken to Cape Coast Castle , imparted to me his fear that the fortnight 's delay it must necessarily entail , would be fatal to his mother 's plans . We were hanging over the taffrail together gazing moodily into the darkness , having given up all hope of getting ashore at the Lahou River , when suddenly about half a mile from us we saw a flash , and the report of a rifle reached us quite distinctly , followed by distant shouting .