ten o'clock
The signals were repeated till dusk when I went down the hill , and found that all was bustle and activity , Vincent superintending himself the preparations for sailing . I did not interrupt him to tell him that I had perceived the schooner making signals . I had an idea , somehow or another , that I should regain my liberty , and was as anxious as Vincent that the Stella should be under weigh . Before ten o'clock everything was ready . Vincent had told his men that the English man-of-war schooner was outside , and that he intended to fight her ; the men appeared delighted at the proposal , and as resolute and determined as men should be . As soon as the Stella was clear of the bay , everything was got ready for action , and I must say that nothing could be more rapid or more quiet than their movements . We stood out until we had gained an offing of five miles , and then made a reach along the shore towards the Havannah .