midnight
The old superiority of that cruiser was now apparent again , and calculations were made concerning the possibility of avoiding her , if they continued to stand on much longer on the present course . The captain had hoped the Montauk would have the advantage from her greater bulk , when the two vessels should be brought down to close-reefed topsails , as he foresaw would be the case ; but he was soon compelled to abandon even that hope . Further to the southward he was resolved he would not go , as it would be leading him too far astray , and , at last , he came to the determination to stand towards the islands , which were as near as might be in his track , and to anchor in a neutral roadstead , if too hard pressed . `` He can not get up with us before midnight . Leach , '' he concluded the conference held with the mate by saying ; `` and by that time the gale will be at its height , if we are to have a gale , and then the gentleman will not be desirous of lowering his boats . In the mean time , we shall be driving in towards the Azores , and it will be nothing out of the course of nature , should I find an occasion to play him a trick . As for offering up the Montauk a sacrifice on the altar of tobacco , as old Deacon Hourglass used to say in his prayers , it is a category to be averted by any catastrophe short of condemnation . ''