nine o'clock
Mark divided his forces for the night . As Bridget habitually lived in the Rancocus ' cabins , he did not derange her household at all , but merely strengthened her crew , by placing Bigelow and Socrates on board her ; each with his family ; while Betts assumed the command of the crater , having for his companion Jones . These were small garrisons ; but the fortresses were strong , considering all the circumstances , and the enemy were uncivilized , knowing but little of fire-arms . By nine o'clock everything was arranged , and most of the women and children were on their beds , though no one there undressed that night . Mark and Betts met , by agreement , alongside of the schooner , as soon as their respective duties elsewhere would allow . As the Reef , proper , was an island , they knew no enemy could find his way on it without coming by water , or by passing over the narrow bridge which has already been mentioned as crossing the little strait near the spring . This rendered them tolerably easy for the moment , though Mark had assured his companion it was not possible for the canoes to get to the Reef under several hours .