midnight
Heaton had erected a habitation for himself , in a charming grove , where there were water , fruits , and other conveniences , near at hand , and where his own family was separated from the rest of the community . This distinction had been conferred on him , by common consent , in virtue of his near affinity to the governor , whose substitute he then was , and out of respect to his education and original rank in life . Seamen are accustomed to defer to station and authority , and are all the happier for the same ; and the thought of any jealousy on account of this privilege , which as yet was confined to Mark and Heaton , and their respective families , had not yet crossed the mind of any one on the island . About twelve , or at midnight , the Abraham entered the cove . Late as was the hour , each immigrant assumed a load suited to his or her strength , and ascended the Stairs , favoured by the sweet light of a full moon . That night most of the new-comers passed in the groves , under tents or in an arbour that had been prepared for them ; and sweet was the repose that attended happiness and security , in a climate so agreeable . Next morning , when the immigrants came out of their temporary dwellings , and looked upon the fair scene before them , they could scarcely believe in its reality !