about an hour before noon
A penny for a guinea was as much as Robin Cockscroft was likely ever to see for his outlay upon this very fine young fellow . Jack Anerley accepted the situation with the large philosophy of a sailor ; and all he wanted from Mr. Mordacks was leave to be present at the diving job . This he obtained , as he promised to be useful , and a fourth oar was likely to be needed . It was about an hour before noon of a beautifully soft September day , when little Sam Precious , the same boy that carried Robin Lyth 's note to Mary , came up to Mr. Mordacks with a bit of plaited rushes , the scytale of Nicholas the fish , who was happy enough not to know his alphabet . The factor immediately put on his hat , girded himself with his riding sword and pistol belt , and told his good wife that business might take him away for some hours . Then he hastened to Robin Cockscroft 's house , after sending the hostler , on his own horse , with a letter to Bridlington coast-guard station , as he had arranged with poor Carroway 's successor . The Flamborough fishermen were out at sea ; and without any fuss , Robin 's boat was launched , and manned by that veteran himself , together with old Joe and Bob , who had long been chewing the quid of expectation , and at the bow oar Jack Anerley .