midnight
`` Suppose , '' said Edna Markham , after a moment 's reflection , `` that they should see Mr. Rynders coming back , and should attack him . '' `` I hardly think they would do that , '' replied the captain . `` He will probably come in a good-sized vessel , and I do n't think they are the kind of men for open battle . They are midnight sneaks and assassins . Now , I advise all of you to go and get something to eat . It would be better for us not to try to do any cooking , and so make a smoke . '' The captain did not wish to talk any more .