about two in the afternoon
The whole body advanced noiselessly along the shore , and seized and gagged the sleepers without the least difficulty or noise . These were bound with ropes from the boat , and laid down one by one on the sand , at a distance from each other . The instant the rowers were secured Harry Furness embraced his faithful follower William Long . He had learned from Jacob that the ship had appeared in sight about two in the afternoon , and that it was not thought likely by the sailors of the port that she would reach it until the breeze sprang up in the morning , although she might get within a distance of five or six miles . The whole party had , in concurrence with Harry 's orders , brought with them their hoes , which were the only weapons that were attainable . It was agreed that their best course would be to row along the shore until near the lights of the port , then to row out and lay on their oars half a mile beyond the entrance , where , as it was a starlight night , they would assuredly see the ship if she had come to anchor . As soon as the first dawn commenced they were to row out and meet the ship .