four o'clock
Bramble said to me , as we sat down outside , `` It will be clear to-morrow morning , Tom , that 's sartain -- it must be to-night or never . I 've been thinking of lowering the quarter boat down , when they are a little more mizzled ; they are getting on pretty fast , for Frenchmen have n't the heads for drinking that Englishmen have . Now it pours down beautifully , and here they come down again for shelter . '' For three hours we watched ; it was then four o'clock , and the men were most of them asleep or more than half drunk . Those of the middle watch came down dripping wet , and called the others to relieve them , but only two of them answered to the call . They who had come down began to drink freely , to warm themselves after their ducking , and by half-past four , except the two men on deck , every Frenchman was either fast asleep or muddled . `` Tom , '' said Bramble , `` now 's our time .